At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage sourcing activities and build strong relationships with stakeholders.
- Company: Respected organisation offering a collaborative and supportive environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and generous benefits package.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities and structured training available.
- Why this job: Broaden your procurement experience and take on exciting strategic projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Category Manager
Cambridge | Hybrid Working (2 Days Office-Based) | £36,000 - £42,000 + Excellent Benefits
Are you looking to take the next step in your procurement career?
We're working with a highly respected organisation seeking a Category Manager to join their Procurement team.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with procurement experience who wants to gain broader exposure to sourcing, supplier management, stakeholder engagement and contract negotiations across a diverse range of spend categories.
This role would suit an ambitious Procurement Officer, Procurement Specialist, Assistant Category Manager or Junior Category Manager looking to develop their career within a collaborative and supportive environment.
The Role
As a Category Manager, you'll work closely with stakeholders across the organisation to deliver procurement projects, manage sourcing activities and support the delivery of value-driven purchasing decisions.
Key responsibilities include
- Managing sourcing and tendering activities from initial requirement through to contract award
- Supporting supplier selection, evaluation and onboarding processes
- Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders to understand procurement requirements
- Assisting with supplier negotiations and contract discussions
- Conducting market research and supplier analysis
- Ensuring procurement activities are compliant with internal policies and procedures
- Supporting supplier performance reviews and risk assessments
- Providing procurement guidance and best practice advice to stakeholders
About You
We're keen to hear from candidates who have
- Experience working within a procurement, purchasing or sourcing environment
- Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
- Excellent organisational and project management abilities
- A commercial mindset with strong analytical skills
- The ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
- Experience supporting tenders, RFQs, RFPs or supplier selection activities
Applications are welcomed from candidates at the earlier stages of their procurement career who are keen to develop their skills and take on greater responsibility.
Desirable
- CIPS qualification (or working towards)
- Exposure to contract management, supplier negotiations or category management
- Experience within a complex or multi-stakeholder organisation
What's on Offer?
- Competitive salary
- Hybrid working arrangement
- Structured development and training opportunities
- Exposure to a broad range of procurement categories and projects
- Generous benefits package
- Long-term career progression opportunities
If you're looking for a role that will broaden your procurement experience and provide exposure to strategic sourcing activities, we'd love to hear from you.
To apply for this role please submit your CV by clicking through the link.
Category Manager employer: Pure Resourcing Solutions
Join a forward-thinking professional services business that champions a modern approach to finance and advisory, offering a vibrant work culture where your insights truly matter. With flexible and hybrid working options, you'll have the chance to influence decision-making for a diverse portfolio of entrepreneurial clients while enjoying clear development opportunities in a supportive environment. This is an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful work that goes beyond traditional accountancy, fostering both personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category 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 Pure Resourcing Solutions.
✨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
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 Pure Resourcing Solutions:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Pure Resourcing Solutions. 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 Pure Resourcing Solutions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pure Resourcing Solutions
✨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 Pure Resourcing Solutions!
✨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 Pure Resourcing Solutions. 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 Pure Resourcing Solutions's culture.
