At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement and develop innovative strategies for indirect procurement.
- Company: Join Places for People, a leading social enterprise dedicated to community spirit.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, pension contributions, and exciting perks.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a role that values people and community.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong commercial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
At Places for People, we hire People, not numbers! We are more interested in hiring someone that embodies our People Promises. That's someone that does the right thing, is enthusiastic and motivated to grow, believes in Community spirit, is respectful and enjoys their work. As the UK's leading Social Enterprise, we're dedicated to creating inclusive and thriving Communities for both our Customers and Employees.
Are you ready to lead strategic procurement in the fast-moving world of technology? We're looking for a Category Manager to drive value, efficiency, and innovation across our organisation. This is a fantastic opportunity to shape procurement strategies that deliver real impact.
More about the role:
- In this role, you'll take ownership of Indirect Procurement, developing and implementing strategies that align with organisational goals.
- You'll manage end-to-end procurement processes, ensuring compliance and delivering value for money.
- Leading and motivating a small team, you'll foster collaboration and continuous improvement while building strong relationships with stakeholders across Communities, Marketing, People Services, Finance, and Legal.
More About You:
- You'll have experience in procurement, with a strong track record in category management and strategic sourcing.
- Your commercial acumen and negotiation skills will enable you to influence decisions and deliver value.
- Experience in managing and developing teams is essential, along with a deep understanding of the relevant markets and supplier capabilities.
The essential Criteria:
- Experience in procurement, with demonstrable experience in Indirect Procurement category management and strategic sourcing.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to deliver value and influence business decisions.
- Skilled in developing and implementing category strategies, sourcing plans, and robust procurement recommendations.
The benefits:
- Competitive salary, with a salary review yearly.
- Pension with matched contributions up to 7%.
- Excellent holiday package up to 35 days annual leave with the option to buy or sell leave.
- Cashback plan for healthcare costs up to £500 saving per year.
- A bonus scheme for all colleagues at 2%.
- Training and development.
- Extra perks including huge discounts and offers from shops, cinemas and much more.
What's next?
If you meet the criteria and are ready to make the next step in your career then click apply. You will be redirected to our careers site where you can discover more about the role, read a full job description and apply directly to us.
As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we offer a guaranteed interview to candidates who are disabled, neurodiverse, or have served in the Armed Forces, provided they meet the essential criteria for the role. If you would like to be considered under this scheme, please indicate this in your application. We are dedicated to creating a supportive and accessible recruitment process for all.
We understand the importance of a supportive and inclusive work culture so please talk to us at interview about flexibility you may need. We can't promise to give you exactly what you want, but we promise not to judge you for asking. For this role we are open to discussing the possibility of reduced hours, flexible start and finish times or compressed hours.
If you are a recruitment agency please note we operate a PSL and do not take cold calls.
Safeguarding:
At Places for People, safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. We are committed to creating safe communities for our customers and colleagues by protecting children, young people, and adults at risk from harm, abuse, and neglect. We follow robust safeguarding policies and procedures, ensuring all employees, volunteers, and contractors uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and accountability. Our recruitment process includes pre-employment checks, including Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks where applicable, to promote a safe and secure working environment. By joining Places for People, you are expected to contribute to our safeguarding culture, following our policies and reporting concerns to protect those in our communities.
Category Manager - Indirect in Birmingham employer: Places for People
Places for People in Birmingham is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises community engagement and exceptional service delivery. With flexible working arrangements and health memberships, employees are supported in achieving a healthy work-life balance while also having access to numerous growth opportunities within the leisure and hospitality sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Indirect in Birmingham
✨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 Places for People.
✨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 Category Manager - Indirect in Birmingham
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 Places for People:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Places for People. 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 Places for People.
How to prepare for a job interview at Places for People
✨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 Places for People!
✨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 Places for People. 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 Places for People's culture.
