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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to shape commercial strategies and drive procurement excellence.
- Company: Join a diverse and inclusive organisation committed to innovative resourcing solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive contract, flexible onsite work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public-sector procurement while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in category management and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of respect and equality with support for all applicants.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Contract: 18 months.
Location: Reading (2-3 days per week onsite).
IR35 Status: Inside IR35.
Headcount: 1.
Category: Non-Digital.
DV clearance required. Candidates with active SC may start and will be sponsored through DV. Sole UK nationals preferred (dual nationals may be considered).
Responsibilities:
- Lead the commercial strategy team, setting direction and priorities.
- Line/task management of approximately 6 team members.
- Develop and deliver sourcing and category strategies.
- Lead external framework commercial strategy, including engagement and delivery.
- End-to-end procurement delivery, with a strong focus on pre-contract activity.
- Deliver infrastructure and construction procurement strategies.
- Manage and influence senior stakeholders across internal and external environments.
- Ensure compliance with Procurement Act and public procurement regulations.
Essential Skills & Experience:
- Proven experience in a senior commercial or category management role.
- Strong background in public-sector procurement.
- Demonstrable experience producing and implementing sourcing strategies.
- Experience working with and leading external frameworks.
- Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving capability.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills at all levels (written and verbal).
- Solid knowledge of procurement regulations and legislation.
- Experience delivering infrastructure / construction strategies.
Reasonable Adjustments:
Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients. If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.
Principal Category Manager employer: Sanderson Government & Defence
Contact Detail:
Sanderson Government & Defence Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement and category management space. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in public-sector procurement and stakeholder management.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your strategic thinking skills during interviews. Bring examples of how you've developed and implemented sourcing strategies in the past, particularly in infrastructure and construction.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in public-sector procurement and any relevant sourcing strategies you've implemented. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your strategic thinking and stakeholder management skills. We love a good story that showcases your expertise!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a team, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Talk about how you've managed teams in the past and the impact you've had on their success. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and guide others!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re done!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sanderson Government & Defence
✨Know Your Procurement Regulations
Make sure you brush up on the latest procurement regulations and legislation. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the rules, but that you can navigate them effectively in your role.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples of how you've developed and implemented sourcing strategies in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easy for interviewers to see your strategic capabilities in action.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about your past experiences managing senior stakeholders. Be ready to share specific instances where you influenced decisions or navigated complex relationships. This will highlight your excellent stakeholder management skills, which are crucial for this role.
✨Lead with Confidence
As a Principal Category Manager, leadership is key. Prepare to discuss your experience in leading teams, setting direction, and managing tasks. Highlight how you’ve motivated your team and achieved results together, as this will demonstrate your capability to lead the commercial strategy team effectively.
