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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: Strong experience in category management and strategic sourcing required.
- Other info: Join a diverse team that values respect and equality.
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 Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Sanderson Recruitment 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 that’s not even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around managing high-value contracts and supplier relationships.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your commercial acumen! During interviews, highlight specific examples where you've driven savings or added value through strategic sourcing. This will demonstrate your ability to balance short-term wins with long-term value creation.
✨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 are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Manager - SC cleared in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Senior Category Manager. Highlight your experience in category management and strategic sourcing, and don’t forget to showcase your ability to manage high-value contracts.
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 specific examples of how you've driven savings and built strong supplier relationships in the past.
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen: We want to see your commercial savvy! In your application, emphasise your understanding of total cost of ownership and lifecycle value. This will show us that you can balance short-term savings with long-term value.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply 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!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sanderson Recruitment
✨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 delivering value.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
Be prepared to discuss how you've shaped category strategies in the past. Use examples that highlight your ability to balance short-term savings with long-term value creation. This is crucial for a role that demands commercial sharpness.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management Skills
Think of instances where you've influenced stakeholders at various levels. Share stories that illustrate your ability to engage senior management and drive performance through strong supplier relationships.
✨Prepare for Complex Sourcing Scenarios
Anticipate questions about your experience with end-to-end sourcing activities. Be ready to discuss your approach to RFx processes, supplier evaluations, and negotiations. Highlight your commercial assurance skills throughout the contract lifecycle.
