Principal Category Manager in Reading

Principal Category Manager in Reading

Reading Temporary 54000 - 84000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • 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 terms, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a significant impact in public-sector procurement while leading a talented 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 54000 - 84000 £ per year.

Overview

Contract: 18 months; Location: Reading (2-3 days per week onsite); IR35 Status: Inside IR35; Headcount: 1; Category: Non-Digital. Security clearance: 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 in Reading employer: Sanderson Government & Defence

As a Principal Category Manager in Reading, you will join a dynamic team that values collaboration and innovation, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a strong focus on public-sector procurement, our company provides unique opportunities to lead impactful projects while ensuring compliance with regulations, all within a diverse and inclusive environment that celebrates different perspectives. Enjoy the benefits of flexible working arrangements and the chance to influence key stakeholders in a role that truly makes a difference.
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Contact Detail:

Sanderson Government & Defence Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Category Manager in Reading

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement and category management space. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent projects and challenges. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to tackle their specific needs head-on.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Principal Category Manager. Highlight your strategic thinking and stakeholder management skills.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Category Manager in Reading

Commercial Strategy Development
Category Management
Public-Sector Procurement
Sourcing Strategies Implementation
Stakeholder Management
Procurement Regulations Knowledge
Infrastructure Procurement
Construction Procurement
Team Leadership
Strategic Thinking
Problem-Solving Skills
Communication Skills

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 skills align with what we're looking for!

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. Mention your leadership experience and how you’ve managed teams effectively. We love seeing your personality come through, so don’t hold back!

Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills: In your application, be sure to highlight your stakeholder management skills. Give examples of how you've influenced senior stakeholders in previous roles. This is key for us, as you'll need to manage relationships across various levels.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved!

How to prepare for a job interview at Sanderson Government & Defence

✨Know Your Procurement Regulations

Make sure you brush up on the Procurement Act and public procurement regulations. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you understand the legal framework you'll be working within, which is crucial for a Principal Category Manager.

✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking

Prepare examples of how you've developed and implemented sourcing strategies in previous roles. Highlight your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, as these are key for leading the commercial strategy team effectively.

✨Engage with Stakeholders

Think about how you've managed senior stakeholders in the past. Be ready to share specific instances where your excellent communication skills made a difference. This will demonstrate your ability to influence and manage relationships at all levels.

✨Demonstrate Team Leadership

Since you'll be managing a team, come prepared to discuss your leadership style. Share experiences where you've successfully led a team, focusing on how you set direction and priorities, and how you support your team members in achieving their goals.

Principal Category Manager in Reading
Sanderson Government & Defence
Location: Reading
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