At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic direction and improve business processes at Network Rail.
- Company: Join Network Rail, a key player in the UK rail industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, private healthcare, and discounts on travel.
- Other info: Flexible working patterns and a supportive team culture await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by innovating and improving safety and efficiency.
- Qualifications: Degree in Business or Economics and strong procurement experience required.
For a complete understanding of this opportunity, and what will be required to be a successful applicant, read on.
Location: This role can be based in either Milton Keynes, Birmingham and London. This role is a full-time opportunity; flexible working patterns will be considered. Please note, if working from The Quadrant, Milton Keynes, you must live within 90 minutes.
Salary: Band 3.C - £55,596 - 67,813 per annum depending on skills & experience.
Are you always thinking of new and better ways of doing things? Do you look beyond what you are doing today and think about what could be possible? If you thrive on using your own initiative, have great people skills and like to deliver great customer service, read on.
In Network Rail, a Category Manager provides strategic direction - commercially, yes, but also on improvements to how the business works. We do not source suppliers, nor do we manage suppliers. Our strategies are implemented by other teams, so we move from one category to the next, continually providing that strategic support to Network Rail. If you are someone who looks past today's tactics and thinks about what you could do tomorrow, then this could be the role for you.
The Category Management Team is a diverse team and we're looking for someone with a good sense of humour to fit in with us and have fun along the way; if you join, our current team will support you to create your first strategies. The processes, templates and systems will be provided as guides, and you will need to apply your strategic nous on top. In return for our support, we're looking for a caring, supportive person who will use their skills to:
- collaborate with everyone;
- support other team members;
- lead by example and always maintain the moral high ground;
- be interested and take part;
- be keen to develop and learn new skills;
- help us achieve our targets as a team.
Understanding your customer's needs will put you in the best place to create new strategies. We want new ideas to help us:
- improve safety - everyone home safe every day;
- be more sustainable;
- be more efficient - reduce the burden on taxpayers;
- save time on jobs - more time to do new and better things.
Who are we looking for?
Essential Criteria
- Educated to a Business or Economics degree standard or equivalent business experience
- Deep level of Procurement experience, to include Category Management
- Demonstrable experience of financial management
- Demonstrable level of negotiation and dispute resolution skill set
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Demonstrable experience of driving cost and service value from complex multi-divisional business environments
- Ability to deliver defined relationship and commercial value and deliver continuous improvement value
- Experienced with agile, cross-functional collaborative working methods
- Politically savvy, with the proven ability to use direct and indirect influencing strategies at an executive level
- Demonstrable level of problem-solving experience of complex category specific challenges
- Completer finisher mindset
Desirable Criteria
- Knowledge of the UK Rail Industry, including procurement processes in a reclassified environment
Network Rail Benefits:
What's in it for you
- 28-day annual leave with the option to buy and sell days
- Choice of pension schemes
- 75% discount of leisure travel for you and your family
- Private Healthcare
- 5 days paid volunteer or carers leave
- Up to 75% subsidised Rail and Underground travel
- Gym Pass - access to gyms across UK
- My Benefits platform - giving national and local retail discount
If you have any questions or reasonable adjustments, please contact.
Closing date: 7th October 2026. Late applications may not be accepted.
Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our Safety Vision.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
Please get your application in as soon as possible, we may close the advert before the listed closing date if we receive enough applications.
Category Manager in Ashland employer: Public Sector Resourcing CWS
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead transformative projects that directly impact national security and the welfare of armed forces personnel. With a strong commitment to employee development, a diverse and inclusive work culture, and the chance to work on high-stakes programmes in a collaborative environment, the MOD provides meaningful roles that contribute to the greater good. Located in London with additional travel to Bristol and Reading, this hybrid role allows for flexibility while engaging in critical defence initiatives.
Contact Details:
Public Sector Resourcing CWS Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Ashland
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Category Manager at Public Sector Resourcing CWS!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Public Sector Resourcing CWS or be willing to refer you for that Category Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Public Sector Resourcing CWS who’s on the lookout for their next Category Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Category Manager role at Public Sector Resourcing CWS!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Ashland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Public Sector Resourcing CWS. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Public Sector Resourcing CWS
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Public Sector Resourcing CWS. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
