At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to innovate and transform procurement strategies in the Rail industry.
- Company: Join Siemens Mobility, a global leader committed to inclusivity and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, mental health support, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that champions continuous improvement and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive environment while driving regional success.
- Qualifications: Proven category management experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
What if your next role actually made you excited for Mondays? At Siemens Mobility, we believe our people are the cornerstone of our success. We are committed to nurturing a supportive and inclusive environment where every team member can thrive. Join our global community, where your growth and development are as important as our shared mission to innovate and transform the Rail industry.
Role Overview
We’re looking for a Head of Category Management to lead our UK&I Siemens Mobility Procurement team, with a strong focus on direct spend and regional impact.
Responsibilities
- Lead and develop a team of Regional Category Managers, driving the creation and delivery of regional category strategies in close collaboration with the Group Category network and key stakeholders.
- Establish a clear, strategic approach to sourcing across the region, spanning supplier selection, panel management and supplier relationship management.
- Act as the central point of contact for resource allocation, ensuring Regional Category Manager expertise is deployed effectively to support bids and projects.
- Lead localisation across SMO UKI, strengthening regional supply chains and delivering sustainable value.
- Build strong stakeholder relationships, drive alignment and deliver consistent, high‑performing procurement outcomes through strategic thinking and continuous improvement.
- Ensure strong governance, capability and resource alignment across all categories.
- Shape and deliver regional category strategies aligned to business objectives, localisation requirements and Group category direction.
- Drive supplier excellence through effective selection, segmentation, performance management and strategic partnerships.
- Strengthen stakeholder collaboration with Procurement, Engineering, PLM and wider teams to enable standardisation, innovation and successful delivery.
- Enhance customer relationships, building trusted partnerships internally and externally.
- Deliver financial value, ensuring budgets are met while identifying and realising cost reduction opportunities to improve competitiveness and project outcomes.
- Champion a high‑performing, safe and compliant culture, embedding HSQE standards, continuous improvement, strong people leadership and Siemens values.
Qualifications
- Strong category management experience, with a proven track record supporting major bids and complex project environments.
- Procurement leadership expertise, particularly across direct spend within a project or delivery‑led organisation.
- Ability to operate in a matrix environment, collaborating effectively across multi‑disciplinary and geographically dispersed teams.
- Commercial acumen and negotiation skills, with the ability to drive value and influence outcomes.
- Excellent stakeholder management, building relationships across all organisational levels, both internally and externally.
- Confident communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage and influence diverse audiences.
- Demonstrable experience in procurement within complex, project‑based environments.
Preferred
- CIPS (or equivalent), business or engineering degree, SAP experience, multinational exposure, leadership of matrix teams, or experience in a safety‑critical or regulated industry.
Benefits
- Wellbeing: Flexible working, 24/7 mental health support, subsidised gym memberships, subsidised Bupa healthcare, enhanced sick pay.
- Financial: Match and More pension, life assurance, perks at work discounts, cycle to work scheme, annual bonus.
- Family: Day‑one parental rights, shared parental leave, extra holidays for length of service, 26 days annual leave plus public holidays, flexibility to buy or sell up to five days each year, volunteering days and sabbaticals.
- Personal Growth: Access to online learning, support for external training and development opportunities, inclusive culture promoting equality and belonging, active employee networks, opportunities to grow your skills and career.
Disability
We are a Disability Confident Leader and welcome applications from all individuals, including those with disabilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact your recruiter, who will be happy to support you. If you don't match all the criteria for this role but feel you have transferable skills to enable you to succeed, we encourage you to apply.
Head of Category Management employer: Siemens
At Siemens Mobility, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values innovation and the well-being of our employees. Our inclusive work culture fosters personal growth through continuous learning opportunities and a strong commitment to employee welfare, including flexible working arrangements and comprehensive health benefits. Join us in our mission to transform the Rail industry while enjoying a supportive environment that champions your professional development and work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Category Management
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those at Siemens Mobility. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Show how your experience aligns with their mission to innovate in the Rail industry. We want to see your passion!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in category management and procurement can drive value at Siemens Mobility. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest roles tailored to your expertise.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Category Management
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your excitement for the role shine through! We want to see how your passion for category management and procurement aligns with our mission at Siemens Mobility. Don't hold back – share what makes you tick!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Category Management role. Highlight your relevant experience in leading teams and driving procurement strategies. We love seeing how your background fits with our needs, so be specific about your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Use it to connect your skills and experiences directly to the responsibilities listed in the job description. We appreciate a personal touch, so feel free to share your career journey!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at Siemens
✨Know Your Category Management Inside Out
Before the interview, brush up on your category management knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with direct spend and how you've successfully led teams in similar environments. This will show that you understand the role and can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've built strong relationships with stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your ability to influence outcomes and drive alignment across teams. This is crucial for the Head of Category Management position, so make sure to have specific stories ready.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking
Think about how you've developed and implemented category strategies in the past. Be prepared to discuss your approach to sourcing, supplier selection, and performance management. This will help illustrate your strategic mindset and ability to deliver high-performing procurement outcomes.
✨Emphasise Your Leadership Style
As a potential leader, it's important to convey your leadership philosophy. Share how you foster a high-performing culture and support team development. Discuss any experiences where you've championed continuous improvement and aligned your team's goals with broader business objectives.
