At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement and develop category strategies to drive value and manage risk.
- Company: Join Places for People, a leading social enterprise dedicated to community spirit.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic team at our Preston office, 1-2 days a week.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping inclusive communities while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in procurement, category management, and strategic sourcing.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
At Places for People, we hire People, not numbers! If you like the sound of one of our jobs, please apply - you could be just who we're looking for! Of course, experience and track record are important, but we're 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. So, what are you waiting for? Join a community that cares about you!
More about the role
We're looking for an experienced Senior Category Manager to play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering strategic procurement across the organisation. Leading complex, high value categories, you'll drive value, manage risk, and ensure strong commercial outcomes that support our long term strategic objectives. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you'll develop and implement category strategies, lead major sourcing initiatives, and design robust commercial and contractual arrangements that enable effective supplier and contract management throughout the lifecycle.
The role is working in our Armitage, South Rings Office in Preston 1-2 days a week.
More about you
You're an experienced procurement professional with strong expertise in category management, strategic sourcing, and the design of effective commercial and contractual models. With proven commercial acumen and the ability to engage senior stakeholders, you deliver value, manage risk, and drive sustainable outcomes across complex categories.
The Essential criteria for this role is listed below:
- Significant procurement experience in a public sector environment with strong expertise in category management, strategic sourcing, and commercial strategy development, including the design of robust commercial and contractual models (KPIs, SLAs, performance frameworks).
Senior Category Manager - Property in Sheffield 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 Senior Category Manager - Property in Sheffield
✨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 Senior Category Manager - Property in Sheffield
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.
