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- Tasks: Lead strategic category management and deliver impactful infrastructure projects.
- Company: Dynamic utilities company investing in digital and operational upgrades.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, generous holiday, and private medical cover.
- Other info: Join a high-impact role with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transforming the utilities sector with your strategic insights.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 62000 £ per year.
£50,000 - £62,000 + bonus + benefits
Reading (Hybrid) 2 days/week on site
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, plus a 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.
Category Manager - Utilities in Reading employer: Signet Recruitment and Retention
Contact Detail:
Signet Recruitment and Retention Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Utilities in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the utilities sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Category Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company’s recent projects and challenges. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re someone who understands their business and can bring strategic insights to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you'll need to influence and challenge senior leaders. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build your confidence and refine your approach.
✨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 makes it easier for us to connect with you!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Utilities in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Category Manager role. Highlight your category management experience and any relevant projects you've led, as we want to see how you can bring value to our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your strategic thinking can contribute to our business evolution. Keep it engaging and personal, so we get a sense of who you are.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills: Since this role involves influencing senior leaders, make sure to include examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders in the past. We love to see how you can build relationships and drive collaboration!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Signet Recruitment and Retention
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the utilities sector. Understand current trends, challenges, and opportunities. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples of how you've developed and implemented category strategies in the past. Highlight your ability to balance value creation with risk management, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you've successfully engaged with senior stakeholders in previous roles. Be ready to discuss specific instances where your influence led to positive outcomes, as strong stakeholder engagement is key for this position.
✨Demonstrate Negotiation Skills
Brush up on your negotiation experiences, especially in complex contractual environments. Be prepared to discuss your approach and any successful outcomes, as this will showcase your capability to handle high-value supplier portfolios.