At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement processes and build strong supplier relationships in a supportive team.
- Company: Established client in Further Education with a focus on development and progression.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Great environment for learning and professional development.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in the education sector.
- Qualifications: GCSEs including Maths and English; procurement experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 31000 - 36500 € per year.
SF Partners are supporting an established client within Further Education that are looking to recruit an Assistant Category Manager on a permanent basis. This role sits within a lovely team with opportunities for progression and development.
Hours: full time Monday to Friday
Salary: £31,000-£36,500
What you'll do:
- Run RFQs/tenders from plan to award (supplier comms, evaluation, award records).
- Source via collaborative frameworks and manage below-threshold activity to procedure.
- Support above-threshold procurement (PA23/PCR2015) including key docs and notices.
- Support contract management, KPI capture and benefits reporting (savings/social value).
- Advise stakeholders and build strong supplier relationships.
What we're looking for:
Essential:
- GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths and English.
- CIPS Foundation (or equivalent) or commitment to work towards.
- Procurement experience running RFQs/tenders and keeping accurate records.
- Knowledge of public sector procurement and collaborative frameworks.
- Experience in contract management and/or supplier negotiation, with evidence of delivering savings/benefits.
- Strong IT skills (e-tendering tools and Microsoft Office) plus clear communication and organisation.
Desirable:
- Higher CIPS level and/or experience in contract management, negotiation and delivering savings.
- Experience working in Higher Education or wider public sector.
Assistant Category Manager in Birmingham employer: SF Partners
At SF Partners, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that fosters collaboration and professional growth. As an Assistant Category Manager, you will be part of a dedicated team within the Further Education sector, where opportunities for progression are abundant, and your contributions will directly impact our mission. With a competitive salary and a commitment to employee development, we ensure that our staff feel valued and empowered in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Category Manager in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and understanding their procurement processes. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in how they operate and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As an Assistant Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen those skills before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Category Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Category Manager role. Highlight your procurement experience, especially with RFQs and tenders, and don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications like CIPS. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about procurement and how your experience aligns with our needs. Be sure to mention your ability to build strong supplier relationships and your commitment to delivering savings.
Showcase Your IT Skills:Since strong IT skills are essential for this role, make sure to highlight your experience with e-tendering tools and Microsoft Office in both your CV and cover letter. We love seeing candidates who are tech-savvy and can navigate these tools with ease!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at SF Partners
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of public sector procurement and collaborative frameworks. Be ready to discuss your experience with RFQs and tenders, as well as any specific examples where you've successfully managed these processes.
✨Showcase Your IT Skills
Since strong IT skills are essential for this role, be prepared to talk about your experience with e-tendering tools and Microsoft Office. Consider bringing examples of how you've used these tools to improve efficiency or accuracy in your previous roles.
✨Build Relationships
This role involves advising stakeholders and building strong supplier relationships. Think of instances where you've successfully negotiated with suppliers or collaborated with colleagues to achieve a common goal. Highlight your communication skills and how they helped in those situations.
✨Prepare for Questions on Savings and Benefits
Be ready to discuss how you've delivered savings or benefits in your previous roles. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage contracts effectively and report on KPIs. This will show your potential employer that you can add value to their team.
