At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and develop marketing procurement strategies while managing supplier relationships.
- Company: Exciting, rapidly growing organisation with a purpose-driven mission.
- Benefits: Autonomy, senior stakeholder exposure, and the chance to make a lasting impact.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join at a pivotal stage and influence key commercial decisions.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, category management, and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
Senior Category Manager - Marketing
Location:
Milton Keynes - Hybrid We are recruiting for an extremely exciting and rapidly growing organisation.
This newly created role offers an exciting opportunity for a
Marketing Category Specialist
to join the Commercial team and build and shape the marketing procurement category from the ground up.
As a
Marketing Category Specialist , you'll have the opportunity to take ownership of a newly established category, develop commercial strategies and build strong supplier partnerships.
This role offers genuine autonomy, senior stakeholder exposure and the chance to make a lasting impact.
Key Responsibilities Develop and deliver procurement strategies across marketing spend.
Manage the full procurement lifecycle, from supplier identification and onboarding through to contract negotiation.
Establish and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers.
Identify commercial opportunities, drive efficiencies and deliver cost savings.
Introduce and improve procurement processes to support business growth.
Collaborate with senior stakeholders to understand business needs and deliver effective procurement solutions.
About You We're looking for an experienced procurement professional with strong category management, strategic sourcing and contract negotiation experience.
You'll ideally have experience within
marketing procurement
and be comfortable working in a newly established environment where you can build rather than simply maintain.
Proven experience in procurement/category management, ideally across marketing or professional services.
Strong experience managing the full sourcing lifecycle, from supplier identification through to contract negotiation.
Experience developing and implementing category strategies.
Strong contract negotiation and supplier management experience.
Commercially focused, with the ability to identify cost savings and value opportunities.
Experience working with senior stakeholders and influencing commercial decisions.
Comfortable building processes, frameworks and governance from the ground up.
Strong analytical skills, including Excel and financial modelling.
Experience working in a fast-paced, changing or newly established environment is highly desirable.
CIPS Level 5/6
or
MCIPS
would be advantageous but is not essential.
What's on Offer?
An opportunity to join an exciting, purpose-driven business at a pivotal stage of its development.
You'll have the freedom to shape your category, influence key commercial decisions and contribute to a major programme with nationwide impact.
Interested?
Apply now to find out more about this exciting opportunity.
Or email Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates
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Senior Category Manager - Marketing in Northampton employer: Robert Walters
As an EMEA Learning Architect at our company, you will thrive in a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. We offer comprehensive training programmes, flexible working arrangements, and a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and creativity. Located in a vibrant city, our office provides unique networking opportunities and access to industry leaders, making it an excellent place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager - Marketing in Northampton
✨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 Robert Walters.
✨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 - Marketing in Northampton
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 Robert Walters:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Robert Walters. 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 Robert Walters.
How to prepare for a job interview at Robert Walters
✨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 Robert Walters!
✨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 Robert Walters. 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 Robert Walters's culture.
