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- Tasks: Own and deliver category strategies while managing complex sourcing activities.
- Company: Dynamic organisation focused on strategic procurement and supplier relationships.
- Benefits: Competitive rate, flexible working, and a chance to shape impactful strategies.
- Why this job: Lead high-value projects and make a real difference in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in category management and strategic sourcing required.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diversity and supports your career growth.
Duration: 12 Months
Rate: £450-£550 Outside IR35
Clearance: SC Clearance
Location: Reading 3 days per week
We are looking for a commercially sharp Category Manager to own and deliver category strategies across a defined portfolio. You will balance short-term savings with long-term value, drive competitive sourcing, and build strong, performance-led supplier relationships that directly support the organisation's wider objectives. This is a role for someone who is confident operating in complexity – shaping strategy, leading sourcing activity end-to-end, and providing commercial assurance across high-value, high-risk contracts.
What You Will Be Doing
- Own and deliver category strategies, aligned to business priorities, cost efficiency targets, and long-term value creation
- Lead complex sourcing activity end to end – RFx, supplier evaluation, negotiation, contract award and handover
- Act as the commercial lead for your categories, providing contractual and commercial assurance throughout the lifecycle
- Manage and develop key and critical suppliers, driving performance, managing risk, and unlocking additional value
- Lead supplier engagement at senior levels, including Management and Executive Business Reviews
- Embed robust supplier segmentation, performance management, and risk mitigation practices
- Provide market insight, benchmarking, and business intelligence to inform category decisions
- Forecast spend, manage commercial risk, and assess the impact of change across contracts
- Work closely with internal stakeholders and service centres to ensure seamless delivery and governance
What You Will Bring
- Strong experience in category management and strategic sourcing
- Proven ability to manage high-value, complex contracts and supplier relationships
- Commercially astute, with a clear understanding of total cost of ownership and lifecycle value
- Confident stakeholder manager, able to influence at all levels
- Experience working within structured procurement or category management frameworks
- A proactive, delivery-focused mindset with strong commercial judgement
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.
Senior Category Manager - SC cleared in Reading employer: Sanderson Government & Defence
Contact Detail:
Sanderson Government & Defence Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager - SC cleared in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Senior Category Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its category strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around managing high-value contracts and supplier relationships. Show them you mean business!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings to come to you. Actively apply through our website and keep an eye on new openings. The more you put yourself out there, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them why you’re the perfect fit for the Senior Category Manager position.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Manager - SC cleared in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in category management and strategic sourcing. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen: Since this role requires a strong understanding of total cost of ownership and lifecycle value, be sure to include specific examples that demonstrate your commercial judgement. We love seeing how you’ve driven savings and added value in previous roles.
Highlight Stakeholder Management Skills: This position involves influencing stakeholders at all levels, so share instances where you've successfully managed relationships and led discussions. We’re keen to know how you’ve navigated complex environments and built strong partnerships.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sanderson Government & Defence
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific categories you'll be managing. Understand market trends, key suppliers, and potential risks. This knowledge will not only impress but also show your commitment to driving value.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully led complex sourcing activities in the past. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to balance short-term savings with long-term value creation. This is crucial for a Senior Category Manager role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your stakeholder management skills by sharing experiences where you influenced decisions at various levels. Highlight how you’ve built strong relationships and collaborated effectively with internal teams and suppliers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about challenges you've faced in category management and how you navigated them. This will showcase your proactive mindset and commercial judgement.
