At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement projects and develop category plans for a leading housing organisation.
- Company: Dynamic housing organisation based in Ealing with a focus on strategic procurement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a team that values continuous improvement and offers excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while working in a supportive and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in public-sector procurement and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 59000 - 63000 £ per year.
Location: Ealing, London W5 – Hybrid working, with one to two days per week in the office depending on business needs
Salary: £59,000–£63,000 per annum
Contract Type: Permanent
Weekly Hours: 35 hours per week
Job Purpose
We are recruiting for an experienced Category Manager to join the Strategic Procurement team of a leading housing organisation based in Ealing. The role will involve developing and delivering category plans, taking ownership of allocated subcategories and leading end-to-end procurement exercises. You will also support procurement transformation, contract management and supplier performance across corporate and professional services.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop, implement and regularly review category plans.
- Translate category plans into effective sourcing and procurement activity.
- Lead end-to-end public procurement and tendering exercises.
- Take ownership of corporate and professional services subcategories.
- Manage framework agreements and other procurement projects.
- Support procurement transformation and improvements to systems and processes.
- Ensure a consistent and compliant approach to procurement and contract management.
- Oversee contract implementation and attend supplier review meetings.
- Monitor supplier performance against agreed SLAs and KPIs.
- Work with stakeholders and suppliers to resolve contractual and performance issues.
- Support the commercial and risk management of the supplier portfolio.
- Develop effective relationships with stakeholders, suppliers, partners and framework operators.
- Identify continuous-improvement and efficiency opportunities.
- Monitor procurement activity through D365, P2P and tendering platforms.
Candidate Profile
- Proven experience developing and delivering category plans.
- Experience leading a range of public-sector procurement procedures.
- Strong knowledge of public procurement legislation, including the Procurement Act 2023 and relevant legacy regulations.
- Experience delivering corporate or professional services procurements.
- Previous involvement in procurement transformation.
- Strong contract-management and supplier-performance experience.
- Experience monitoring contracts against SLAs, KPIs and commercial requirements.
- Sound understanding of commercial contracts, terms and conditions.
- Experience with pre- and post-contract commercial administration.
- Strong stakeholder-management, communication and influencing skills.
- Good working knowledge of procurement systems, tendering portals and Microsoft Office.
- MCIPS qualified, or of graduate calibre with a willingness to complete the professional CIPS qualification.
- Project-management experience.
If you are interested and meet the above criteria, please send your CV for consideration.
For further information, contact Lewis at Service Care Solutions.
Category Manager employer: Service Care Solutions
As a leading non-maintained special school in Billingshurst, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to the holistic development of our students and staff. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through continuous development opportunities, while our comprehensive benefits package, including mental health support and flexible pay options, ensures the wellbeing of our team. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of students with special educational needs, all within a vibrant and innovative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Service Care Solutions.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Service Care Solutions:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Service Care Solutions. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Service Care Solutions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Service Care Solutions
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Service Care Solutions!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Service Care Solutions. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Service Care Solutions's culture.
