Category Manager

Category Manager

Full-Time 56250 - 68750 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
SGN Your gas. Our network.

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships for impactful projects.
  • Company: Join SGN, a pioneering company transforming the gas industry with a focus on safety and innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid work, enhanced family leave, and wellness programmes.
  • Other info: Diverse backgrounds welcomed; we value unique perspectives and offer inclusive support.
  • Why this job: Be part of a supportive team driving significant value and career growth in procurement.
  • Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong analytical skills, and excellent IT proficiency required.

The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.

Flexible across Southern & Scotland SGN Footprint

£55.5k - £66.7k per annum (dependent on skills and qualifications)

Full Time | Hybrid

Joint-contribution pension from 6% (12% total) – Enhanced maternity & family leave – Life assurance – HolidayPlus – Virtual GP & Employee Assistance Programme plus retail and leisure discounts & many more.

Do you want to be a part of an innovative and supportive team, where there are great opportunities for career progression and development? Our Procurement & Supply Chain (PSC) department is undergoing significant growth within their function and are seeking to recruit an experienced Category Manager, who will support, develop and implement bespoke strategies across both gas and corporate categories.

Following the initial spend profile analysis, covering £500m per annum of third party spend, you will have the autonomy to use your initiative to identify and deliver industry leading procurement strategies, which will support the delivery of our regulated and not regulated business ambitions.

As an experienced Category Manager, you will report to the Lead Category Manager and you will be responsible for managing and delivering the execution of various strategic services. The role will be focussed on demonstrating value leadership, customer service and innovation, to support our vision of becoming a world class procurement function.

Through strategy development and effective sourcing execution, you will be responsible for supporting the delivery of departmental KPIs and objectives such as savings in total cost of ownership, value engineering and driving an improved safety performance across our supply chain.

Here’s how you will contribute…

  • Regularly liaising with the Lead Category Manager to provide updates on category performance
  • Provide additional insight through reporting as and when category strategies are developed and implemented
  • Monitor supplier performance through building supplier relationships, developing robust and agile contract arrangements
  • Interface with stakeholders to determine future third party spend to develop accurate forecasting of contract renewals
  • Deliver and mould new category management approaches, across specified portfolios of spend, ensuring compliance, drive efficiencies, mitigate supply risks and drive down the total cost of ownership to the organisation
  • Lead or manage other procurement specialists to deliver sourcing activities in support of category plans

You don’t need to be an expert in our Industry… We provide our own specialised learning and development programmes, providing access to learning tools to help you acquire the skills needed to excel in our environment.

What you will need

You’ll be an enthusiastic procurement professional seeking a role with high profile, high value category team, working across a broad range of categories of goods, works and services, with the aim to achieve significant value for the business. This is an integral role in the P&SC Team and the successful candidate should be able to demonstrate the following:

  • Experience in a procurement environment, specifically being able to demonstrate the delivery of successful category strategies
  • Spend analytical skills to interpret spend profiles to identify alternative and value-added opportunities
  • Highly numerate along with highly developed contract / scope drafting and writing skills, ideally with experience gained through interpreting and negotiating complex contracts
  • Excellent IT skills are essential including knowledge of MS Office applications, eSourcing portals, and purchase to pay systems
  • Ability to work to tight deadlines, under pressure whilst still delivering quality output and prioritise requirements where necessary. A keen eye to detail is a must as well as the ability to work methodically through a demanding workload

Not sure you meet every requirement? Research shows some people – particularly women and those from underrepresented backgrounds – may hesitate to apply unless they meet every criteria. At SGN, we value diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. If this role interests you but you’re not sure you tick every box, we’d still love to hear from you. You might be just who we’re looking for – now or in the future.

Why SGN? SGN leads pioneering research and development for a net-zero energy system. Our innovative technologies are transforming the gas industry while keeping people safe and warm. We are an award-winning employer, including CCA Gold Awards for Great Places to Work and Inclusivity and Accessibility, and a proud Gold member of the Armed Forces Covenant.

If you require any accommodations or support during the application process, reach out to us. We're here to help ensure an inclusive and accessible experience for everyone.

Category Manager employer: SGN Your gas. Our network.

SGN is an award-winning employer that prioritises innovation and inclusivity, making it an excellent place for the Head of AI to thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a hybrid work culture, and comprehensive benefits including enhanced family leave and a joint-contribution pension, SGN fosters a supportive environment where every team member can contribute to pioneering advancements in the gas industry. Located in vibrant cities like London, Portsmouth, and Glasgow, employees enjoy not only professional development but also a fulfilling work-life balance in dynamic urban settings.

SGN Your gas. Our network.

Contact Details:

SGN Your gas. Our network. Recruitment Team

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 SGN Your gas. Our network..

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

Procurement Experience
Category Strategy Development
Spend Analysis
Contract Drafting and Negotiation
Supplier Relationship Management
Stakeholder Engagement
IT Skills

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 SGN Your gas. Our network.:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to SGN Your gas. Our network.. 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 SGN Your gas. Our network..

How to prepare for a job interview at SGN Your gas. Our network.

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 SGN Your gas. Our network.!

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 SGN Your gas. Our network.. 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 SGN Your gas. Our network.'s culture.