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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 commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape impactful strategies and drive value in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
- Other info: Join a diverse team with a focus on partnership and 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’ll 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’ll 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 interviews by researching the company and its category management strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around cost efficiency and supplier relationships. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play scenarios with a friend or mentor to build your confidence before those big interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Let’s get you that dream job!
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 engaging with senior stakeholders, so make it clear how you've influenced decision-making at all levels. We’re looking for someone who can navigate complex relationships, so share those experiences!
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’s super easy – just follow the prompts!
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 help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're ready to take ownership of category strategies.
✨Prepare for Complex Scenarios
Expect questions about handling complex sourcing activities and high-value contracts. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated challenges. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
As a Senior Category Manager, you'll need to influence stakeholders at all levels. Prepare to discuss how you've built relationships and managed expectations in previous roles. Highlight any successful negotiations or engagements with senior management.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Be ready to talk about total cost of ownership and lifecycle value. Bring examples of how you've balanced short-term savings with long-term value creation. This will show that you have the commercial judgement needed for the role.
