At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category strategy and supplier management to drive growth and profitability.
- Company: Join RS Group, a global leader in engineering solutions with over 80 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, personal development opportunities, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Work from various EMEA locations and engage with cutting-edge technologies.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values innovation and collaboration while making a positive impact.
- Qualifications: Strong commercial acumen, analytical skills, and experience in supplier relationship management required.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Category Manager (Facilities & Maintenance)
Hybrid Working from any of our EMEA locations: UK (Manchester, Corby or London), Germany (Frankfurt), France (Beauvais ), Italy (Milan)
About the Role
The Category Manager role is a key role within the EMEA Product & Supplier Management organisation, accountable for developing the category strategy and working with group, regional and local stakeholders to execute growth plans, delivering targeted profitable growth, customer acquisition and ROI.
For the technology and suppliers they are aligned to, the category manager will be instrumental in delivering a best-in-class product offer for our customers by defining the market leading brands, latest products and ground-breaking technologies that will help drive growth across EMEA. They will also be responsible for the maintenance of the supplier and product portfolio including the end-to-end product lifecycle.
Managing a portfolio of key and strategic suppliers, they are accountable for supplier management and performance, negotiating contracts and improved commercial terms whilst building the collaborative relationships (internally as well as externally) that help drive growth.
Responsibilities and Deliverables
- Category/technology strategy planning, governance, and execution
- Development & execution of supplier business plans to help realise the defined category strategy.
- The use of digital data and insight to inform ranging decisions, highlight opportunities and drive accelerated portfolio & supplier performance
- Supplier management and relationship building to support delivery of growth plans
- Best in class negotiations to deliver accelerated profit
- Cost management and price maintenance
- NPI and portfolio development to help build a credible range and drive growth
- Strong communication and collaboration across relevant group stakeholders
- Development of best-in-class category offer, fully aligned to customer needs and the overall category strategy
- The delivery of new brands to support supplier acquisition at local, regional and group level
- Management of product lifecycle including NPI, discontinuations & revenue protection
- NPI delivery supported by the acquisition of suppliers’ transactional data and product content
- Delivery of KPIs:
- Supplier and technology growth
- Revenue & margin
- Return on Investment
- Customer acquisition & customer count
- Number of products sold
- New product introduction volume & revenue
- Digital performance
- Supplier performance targets
- Inventory availability, value and health (including OA%, OTTP% & stock turn)
- Best in class negotiations adding significant commercial value to RS
- Strong relationships with suppliers, functions and markets
- Close relationship with the private label team (RS Pro) to provide optimized range
- Influencing the NES and NPS score
Experience we are looking for
- Strong commercial acumen and experience working in a commercial environment
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
- Good analytical skillset and ability to derive insights from large datasets
- Supplier relationship management
- Experience with data analytics, online trading and digital tools e.g.- Microsoft Excel, PowerBI, Adobe Analytics
- A collaborative team player
- A positive can-do attitude takes ownership, and is very results-oriented
- Good influencing skills
- Operational problem solver and good process management capability
We are RS Group.
At RS we’ve been solving engineering problems for over 80 years: big ones, small ones, easy and difficult ones. We turn the ‘what ifs’ into the ‘why nots’, the impossible into the possible.
Our purpose? Making amazing happen for a better world.
We offer service and product solutions. We send out a parcel every 2 seconds, to over 130 countries. We provide over 800,000 in-stock and over 3 million unstocked products to more than 1.2 million customers.
We want people like you, as you are curious about things, you like doing things differently and also in a human way with empathy. Because that’s exactly how we partner with people – our customers, suppliers, colleagues and communities – to solve problems.
We’ll also invest in your development and wellbeing – because building a more diverse and inclusive culture, being ethical, responsible and committed to our Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) action plan is at the heart of everything we do.
Come and join us and over 9000 employees worldwide – and we’ll help you to think big, do more and unleash your brilliance, so you do amazing things too.
#LI-JD1
#LI-HYBRID
Category Manager (Facilities & Maintenance) in Manchester employer: RS Components
At RS Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation across our EMEA locations. With a strong commitment to employee development and wellbeing, we provide ample growth opportunities and invest in your career progression while promoting a diverse and inclusive environment. Join us to be part of a team that values curiosity and creativity, empowering you to make a meaningful impact in the world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager (Facilities & Maintenance) in Manchester
✨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 RS Components.
✨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 (Facilities & Maintenance) in Manchester
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 RS Components:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to RS Components. 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 RS Components.
How to prepare for a job interview at RS Components
✨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 RS Components!
✨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 RS Components. 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 RS Components's culture.
