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- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies in food logistics, managing supplier relationships and performance tracking.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Plan B Talent, a leader in procurement services and insights.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work flexibility, travel opportunities, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape the future of procurement while driving impactful change in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and category management, strong communication skills, and Excel proficiency required.
- Other info: This is a full-time, mid-senior level role with opportunities for growth and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Remote, with some travel to meet with suppliers.
Plan B Talent Ltd is keen to engage with Category Managers with experience within food supply chain and logistics on a new opportunity with our client! As a leader in delivering procurement services and insights, our client is continually evolving to meet the needs of their customers and partners. They are looking for an experienced Category Manager to join their procurement division and play a pivotal role in the decoupling of our wholesale distribution partners. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of our procurement strategy and help drive impactful change.
Role Overview:
As the Category Manager (Food & Logistics), you will work closely with our Senior Category Managers, Head of Procurement Solutions, and cross-functional teams to optimize the benefits of our decoupling project. You’ll manage key relationships with suppliers, drive procurement activities within the Foods category, and ensure the delivery of excellent service to our clients through the introduction of clear KPIs and performance tracking.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the Decoupling Process: Play a key role in implementing the decoupling model with our distribution partners, working alongside the wider procurement team to ensure smooth execution.
- Contract Management & KPI Development: Develop strong, mutually beneficial contracts with clear KPIs to ensure performance and service excellence.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Regularly engage with internal teams, stakeholders, and clients to communicate progress, track benefits, and ensure alignment across the business.
- Support Category Teams: Work closely with the Category teams to promote and support the adoption of preferred product ranges.
- Drive Growth: Leverage volume growth through the decoupling process and maximize income benefits by working with the Operations and Global Teams.
- Performance Tracking: Introduce and monitor KPIs that track performance, ensuring adherence to contracts and the delivery of exceptional service.
- Collaboration: Engage with client-facing teams to uncover new opportunities for growth and ensure successful delivery.
Required Experience:
- Proven experience in procurement and category management, within food logistics or supply chain.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence key stakeholders.
- Highly proficient in Excel, with the ability to analyze and interpret complex data.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- A results-driven mindset with a keen focus on delivering service excellence.
At Plan B Talent, we are committed to creating an inclusive, equitable, and diverse environment for all our clients, candidates, and employees. We believe that diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to race, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, socio-economic background, and cultural identity, is a powerful driver of innovation, success, and growth.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Purchasing, Supply Chain, and Distribution
Industries: Food and Beverage Manufacturing, Wholesale Food and Beverage, and Food and Beverage Services
Category Manager employer: Plan B Talent Ltd
Contact Detail:
Plan B Talent Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the food supply chain and logistics sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends, which can give you an edge in interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the decoupling process in procurement. Understanding this concept will not only help you in discussions but also demonstrate your proactive approach to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with KPI development and contract management. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully implemented these in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your Excel skills by brushing up on data analysis techniques. Being able to interpret complex data effectively will be crucial in this role, so consider practicing with relevant datasets.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement and category management, particularly within food logistics or supply chain. Use specific examples to demonstrate your achievements and skills that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the decoupling process and your ability to manage supplier relationships. Mention how your previous experiences have prepared you for this role and express your enthusiasm for contributing to the company's procurement strategy.
Highlight Key Skills: Emphasise your strong communication skills and proficiency in Excel. Provide examples of how you've used data analysis to drive decisions and improve performance in past roles, as these are crucial for the Category Manager position.
Showcase Results-Driven Mindset: In your application, illustrate your results-driven approach by including metrics or KPIs from previous roles that demonstrate your success in delivering service excellence and driving growth. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can deliver impactful change.
How to prepare for a job interview at Plan B Talent Ltd
✨Understand the Decoupling Process
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the decoupling model and how it applies to the food supply chain. Be prepared to discuss your experience with similar processes and how you can contribute to its successful implementation.
✨Showcase Your KPI Development Skills
Highlight your ability to develop clear KPIs that drive performance and service excellence. Bring examples of contracts you've managed in the past, focusing on how you tracked and improved performance metrics.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Abilities
Since stakeholder engagement is crucial for this role, be ready to share instances where your communication skills helped build relationships or resolve conflicts. This will show your potential employer that you can effectively engage with both internal teams and external partners.
✨Prepare for Data Analysis Questions
Given the emphasis on Excel proficiency, brush up on your data analysis skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform procurement decisions and drive growth in previous roles.
