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- Tasks: Lead procurement and management of Consultant Services for a major capital programme.
- Company: Severn Trent is dedicated to caring for life’s essentials and making a positive impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, annual bonuses, a leading pension scheme, and family-friendly policies.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative project while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing consultants, strong stakeholder engagement, and proficiency in MS Office required.
- Other info: Diverse backgrounds are welcomed; we value individuality and community involvement.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Commercial professional looking to expand your skills and experience? Our purpose is taking care of life’s essentials, but we’re also big on making a difference, not just because we should but because we care. Join us at the heart of a £6 billion capital investment programme as we deliver AMP8 – our most ambitious period of infrastructure transformation yet. We’re looking for a commercially focused Senior Category Manager to take ownership of our Consultant Design Services and play a critical role in supporting our in-house design teams.
You’ll act as the key commercial link between Severn Trent and our Design Consultant supply chain, ensuring high-quality, efficient and cost-effective design delivery across our capital programme. From performance management to procurement strategy, this is a high-impact role for someone who thrives on making things better, faster and smarter.
Everything You Need To KnowWe’re looking for a Senior Category Manager to lead the procurement and management of Consultant Services across Optioneering, Outline, and Detailed Design stages, supporting delivery of our capital programme. You will manage Service Order contracts and lead in-contract mini-competitions to ensure cost efficiencies are achieved and sustained throughout the contract lifecycle. As well as monitoring Consultant performance through Key Performance Measures, using data-driven insights to promote accountability and continuous improvement.
The successful candidate will develop and maintain strong, productive relationships with all framework providers and internal teams, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration. While supporting the Commercial Manager and overseeing line management of digital contracts, the secondment process, and the administration of our CEM project workspace. Finally, you will be the go-to commercial contact for all design-related matters, resolving disputes with support from our capital design teams when needed.
What You’ll Bring To The Role- Strong understanding of how Design Consultants operate and deliver value
- Proven experience managing consultant or contractor performance in complex capital programmes
- NEC contract experience
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and the confidence to challenge constructively
- Sector experience in Water is ideal – but related industries such as Utilities, Power, Petrochem, Pharma, Aerospace or Food Manufacturing are welcome
- Proficient in MS Office, particularly Excel, and comfortable navigating digital systems
- Strategic thinker with a commercial mindset and a drive to improve processes and outcomes
We welcome people from all walks of life and celebrate individuality as we know diverse minds, experiences and backgrounds help us to learn and better serve our communities. We want people who show up and get involved. Those who are ready to be part of something bigger and who want to make a difference because they care. Is that you?
We do more, because we care.
What’s In It For YouIt’s not just a job you’ll get here, you’ll get a career too. We have a range of benefits that reward and recognise great work and award-winning training to ensure you reach your potential. And we’ll also help you play your part in looking after the environment and the community in which we live. Here’s some of our favourites:
- 28 days holiday + bank holidays (and the ability to buy/sell up to 5 additional days per year)
- Annual bonus scheme (of up to £2,250 depending on company performance)
- Leading pension scheme – we will double your contribution (up to 15% when you contribute 7.5%)
- Sharesave – the chance to buy Severn Trent Plc shares at a discounted rate
- Electric vehicle scheme and retail offers
- Family friendly policies
- Two volunteering days per year
We can’t wait to hear from you. Before you apply, you’ll need an updated copy of your CV and about five minutes to spare. If you’re not too sure about what you need to do, or have a question about the role before applying, please do reach out to our amazing team of recruiters at recruitment@severntrent.co.uk.
And if your curiosity has peaked and you’re wanting to find out even more, search on social media.
Ps. we’ll always let you know the outcome of your application after the closing date - so keep an eye on your phone and emails!
Senior Category Manager employer: Severn Trent
Contact Detail:
Severn Trent Recruiting Team
recruitment@severntrent.co.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and trends in the water sector, as well as related industries like utilities and power. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your understanding of the market during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field, especially those who have experience with NEC contracts or managing consultant performance. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your strategic thinking and commercial mindset by reflecting on past experiences where you've improved processes or outcomes. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Severn Trent's recent projects and initiatives, particularly their AMP8 capital investment programme. Showing that you understand their goals and values will set you apart as a candidate who genuinely cares about making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in managing consultant performance and procurement strategies. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to improve processes and outcomes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and the company’s mission. Emphasise your commercial mindset and how your background aligns with Severn Trent's goals, particularly in the context of their capital investment programme.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on key skills mentioned in the job description, such as stakeholder engagement, NEC contract experience, and proficiency in MS Office. Provide concrete examples of how you've successfully applied these skills in previous roles.
Show Enthusiasm for the Role: Convey your passion for making a difference and your commitment to the values of Severn Trent. Mention any relevant industry experience and express your eagerness to contribute to their ambitious infrastructure transformation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Severn Trent
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before your interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of what the Senior Category Manager role entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as managing Consultant Design Services and performance management. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Given the importance of stakeholder engagement in this role, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed relationships with various stakeholders. Highlight your ability to challenge constructively and foster collaboration, as these are key attributes they are looking for.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss how you approach strategic thinking and process improvement. Prepare specific examples of how you've implemented strategies that led to cost efficiencies or enhanced performance in previous roles, especially in complex capital programmes.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with insightful questions about the company culture, the team you'll be working with, and the challenges they face in the current capital programme. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
