At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to shape and deliver impactful category strategies.
- Company: Join Siemens Mobility, a leader in innovative transport solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, mental health support, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of inclusivity and continuous personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in procurement while driving innovation and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in category management and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
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. You’ll 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.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading and developing the Localisation & Regional Category Management function, ensuring strong governance, capability and resource alignment across all categories.
- Shaping and delivering regional category strategies, aligned to business objectives, localisation requirements and Group category direction.
- Driving supplier excellence, through effective supplier selection, segmentation, performance management and the development of strategic partnerships.
- Strengthening stakeholder collaboration, working closely with Procurement, Engineering, PLM and wider teams to enable standardisation, innovation and successful delivery.
- Enhancing customer relationships, building trusted partnerships internally and externally to meet current needs and unlock future opportunities.
- Delivering financial value, ensuring budgets are met while identifying and realising cost reduction opportunities to improve competitiveness and project outcomes.
- Championing a high‑performing, safe and compliant culture, embedding HSQE standards, continuous improvement, strong people leadership and Siemens values in everything you do.
Essential
- 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.
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
- Enjoy 26 days annual leave (plus public holidays), with the flexibility to buy or sell up to 5 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
At Siemens Mobility, 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.
Head of Category Management in Southampton employer: Siemens
Siemens Mobility is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With flexible working arrangements, comprehensive mental health support, and a commitment to inclusivity, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. The company's strong focus on collaboration and innovation, combined with competitive benefits and opportunities for career advancement, makes it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the procurement sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Category Management in Southampton
✨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 its culture. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their values and goals. We want to see that you’re not just a fit on paper but also a great match for the team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Category Management in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Category Management role. Highlight your category management experience and any leadership roles you've held, as we want to see how you can drive our team forward.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this position. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed procurement in complex environments, as this will resonate with us.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills:In your application, emphasise your ability to build relationships across various levels. We value strong communication and collaboration, so share instances where you've effectively engaged with stakeholders to achieve project goals.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Siemens
✨Know Your Category Management Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your category management knowledge, especially in direct spend. Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they align with the responsibilities of leading a team and driving regional strategies.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to build relationships across various levels of an organisation. Think about times when you successfully collaborated with different teams, like Procurement or Engineering, to achieve common goals.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen
Be ready to talk about your negotiation skills and how you've driven value in previous roles. Consider discussing specific instances where you identified cost reduction opportunities or improved project outcomes through strategic partnerships.
✨Communicate Confidently and Clearly
Practice your communication and presentation skills before the interview. You might be asked to engage with diverse audiences, so think about how you can convey complex ideas simply and effectively, showcasing your confidence and clarity.
