At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic category management and deliver impactful procurement strategies.
- Company: Dynamic utilities company investing in infrastructure and technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, generous holiday, and private medical cover.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transforming operations and driving commercial success.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 62000 £ per year.
We’re working with a utilities company embarking on a huge business wide upgrade programme and investing heavily in infrastructure, digital, and retail operations. As part of this evolution, we’re searching for a commercially sharp Procurement Category Manager to lead a strategically critical portfolio. This is a highly visible role where category-specific experience is less important than your potential and your ability to be strategic and put together intelligent category plans and build relationships with stakeholders and the supply chain. You will act as the commercial authority across one of 5 key categories, ensuring market-leading commercial models and robust supplier governance.
The Opportunity
- Lead and deliver end-to-end category strategies
- Support major infrastructure and technology project delivery contracts
- Provide commercial insight across supply markets
- Own a high-value supplier portfolio
- Embed best-practice commercial governance across senior stakeholder groups
- Balance value creation with commercial risk and supply resilience
- Influence, challenge and partner with senior business leaders
What you'll need:
- Proven experience in category management role putting together category plans
- Experience managing complex, high-value categories
- Excellent stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to influence at senior level
- Deep awareness of market and supply chain dynamics, trends and risk management
- Strong negotiation capability across complex contractual environments
This is a role for someone who recognises that slick category management is central to strong operational resilience and doesn't see category management as a function of buying - but more as an essential strategic role and an 'enabler' to the wider business.
Package includes:
- Excellent salary
- Annual bonus
- Generous holiday allowance
- Private medical cover
- Competitive pension scheme
- Flexible benefits platform
If you’re an experienced category manager looking to step into a high-impact role, we’d be pleased to arrange a confidential discussion.
Procurement Category Manager employer: Signet Recruitment and Retention
Join a forward-thinking utilities company in Reading, where your role as a Procurement Category Manager will not only be pivotal to our ambitious upgrade programme but also offer you a dynamic work environment that values strategic thinking and stakeholder engagement. With a competitive salary, generous benefits, and a culture that promotes professional growth and innovation, this is an excellent opportunity for those looking to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid working model.
Contact Details:
Signet Recruitment and Retention Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Procurement Category Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their business and how you can contribute to their strategic goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Procurement Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to influence and challenge senior leaders. Role-play with a friend or mentor to get comfortable with articulating your value.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you stand out, and applying directly shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to keep track of your applications.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Procurement Category Manager role. Highlight your category management experience and any relevant projects you've led, as this will show us you're a great fit for the position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about category management and how your strategic thinking can benefit our team. Don't forget to mention your stakeholder engagement skills and how you can influence at a senior level.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your negotiation capabilities and your ability to manage complex categories. We love seeing quantifiable results, so if you’ve saved costs or improved processes, shout about it!
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 gives you a chance to explore more about our company culture and values!
How to prepare for a job interview at Signet Recruitment and Retention
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific categories you'll be managing. Understand market trends, key suppliers, and potential risks. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're ready to take on the strategic challenges of the role.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with senior stakeholders in the past. Think about times when you influenced decisions or built strong relationships. This is crucial for a role that requires collaboration across various levels of the business.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss how you approach category planning strategically. Share your thought process on balancing value creation with risk management. This will highlight your ability to think critically and act as a commercial authority within the organisation.
✨Practice Negotiation Scenarios
Since negotiation is key in this role, consider practising some common negotiation scenarios. Think about how you would handle complex contractual discussions and be prepared to share your strategies. This will showcase your capability in navigating challenging situations effectively.
