At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive procurement strategies and build relationships with suppliers to enhance performance.
- Company: Join Persimmon Homes, a leading UK housebuilder with a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
- Benefits: Enjoy life cover, pension contributions, hybrid working, and exclusive employee discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team focused on innovation and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your career in procurement.
- Qualifications: Degree in Business or related field; experience in procurement or supply chain is a plus.
Looking for a career where your ambition meets real opportunity? Join Persimmon Homes as Group Category Manager and step into a role where your success is celebrated, your growth supported, and your work truly matters.
Why Persimmon Homes? We’re one of the UK’s largest and most established housebuilders — FTSE 100 listed, with 29 regional offices and thousands of quality homes built every year. At Persimmon, we don’t just build homes — we build careers.
When you join us as a Group Category Manager you’ll benefit from:
- 5* housebuilder - Be part of a company that consistently delivers quality homes and outstanding customer satisfaction
- Life Cover & Contributory Pension
- Bonus
- Employee Benefits Platform – giving you access to high-street discounts, wellbeing support, and more
- Committed to diversity, inclusion, and empowering your development
- Hybrid Working
What is the role? As a Group Category Manager, you will support the delivery of procurement and category strategies that drive value, quality and performance across the supply chain. Working with suppliers and stakeholders, you will contribute to sourcing activities, supplier management, spend analysis and continuous improvement initiatives, helping to deliver commercial benefits and support business objectives. This role offers excellent exposure to strategic procurement activities and provides an ideal platform for someone looking to further develop their commercial and category management expertise within a large, dynamic organisation.
What you’ll do as a Group Category Manager:
- Conduct market, supplier and spend analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities and support informed decision-making.
- Manage sourcing and tender activities in line with procurement policies and best practice.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
- Monitor supplier performance and support continuous improvement initiatives across the supply chain.
- Assist with supplier onboarding, contract administration, and framework agreement management.
- Support demand planning, supplier capacity reviews, and risk assessment activities.
- Contribute to the introduction of new products, technologies, and innovative supply chain solutions while supporting sustainability and responsible sourcing initiatives.
- Promote procurement governance, standardised processes, and best practice across the organisation.
- Undertake additional duties as required to support the procurement team, commensurate with the level of the role.
What experience do I need?
- Degree qualified in Business, Procurement, Supply Chain Management or a related discipline.
- Experience in procurement, commercial or supply chain roles, including placements or internships.
- Strong analytical and numerical skills with the ability to interpret data and identify value-adding opportunities.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel, with awareness of ERP and Procure-to-Pay (P2P) systems.
- Good understanding of procurement principles, supplier management and contract administration, with a keen interest in category management and strategic sourcing.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with a proactive approach to problem-solving; CIPS qualification (or willingness to work towards one) is desirable.
Group Category Manager employer: Persimmon plc.
At Persimmon Homes, we pride ourselves on being one of the UK's leading housebuilders, offering a dynamic work environment where your contributions are valued and your career can flourish. With a strong commitment to employee development, diversity, and inclusion, we provide comprehensive benefits including life cover, a contributory pension, and access to a wide range of employee perks. Join us in a role that not only shapes the future of housing but also supports your personal and professional growth in a thriving regional office.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Category Manager
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Persimmon plc..
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Group Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Persimmon plc.:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Persimmon plc.. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Persimmon plc..
How to prepare for a job interview at Persimmon plc.
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Persimmon plc.!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Persimmon plc.. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Persimmon plc.'s culture.
