At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing events and manage supplier relationships to drive value.
- Company: Join a high-profile company in Reading with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous holiday allowance of up to 35 days plus bonuses.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and influence key stakeholders.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on procurement strategies and service outcomes.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, supplier management, and strategic thinking required.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Looking for an experienced Category Procurement Manager to work for a high profile company in Reading that offers great benefits to include a bonus scheme and generous holiday allowance of up to 35 days plus bank holidays. This Senior Procurement Manager will lead the planning and execution of sourcing events - both traditional and e-sourcing, in full alignment with the companies Corporate Procurement Policy. Working collaboratively with a range of internal stakeholders, the Senior Procurement Manager will prepare board-level recommendations, draft and execute robust contracts, and ensure effective handover to operational and supply chain teams who will take on responsibility to oversee supplier delivery performance. This position plays a critical role in delivering commercial value, improving service outcomes, and driving process efficiency in support of the companies strategic objectives.
Responsibilities:
- Champion health, safety, environmental, and information security standards in line with customer and business obligations.
- Develop and deliver effective procurement strategies aligned with company objectives, driving value through strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations.
- Lead complex procurement projects, including tenders and supplier events, ensuring best value and strong supplier performance.
- Build strong internal and external relationships to ensure procurement governance and successful post-award management.
- Apply savings methodology and total cost of ownership principles to meet financial goals, manage resources, and ensure alignment with budget and timelines.
Experience needed:
- Procurement and supplier management experience in an estates management, construction, professional service or asset management background.
- Sound understanding and awareness of political issues, sensitivities and developments, and how they influence the requirements of the company and its shareholders.
- Experience delivering change and improvement across partnerships and organizational boundaries.
- Ability to design, develop and manage sourcing strategies.
- Design, develop and manage operational models, processes and governance structures.
- Planning, prioritizing and delivering improvements to achieve objectives within timescales.
- Develop and manage stakeholder relationships.
- Hands-on category management, negotiating and presentational skills.
- RFP/Sourcing Event management.
- Goal deployment of strategy and process creation.
- Strategic and collaborative thinker.
- Complex problem solver and guide/influencer to others in the resolution of complex issues.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Procurement 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 Project 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 Procurement 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 Project People:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Project 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 Project People.
How to prepare for a job interview at Project 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 Project 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 Project 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 Project People's culture.
