At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic category management and deliver impactful infrastructure projects.
- Company: Dynamic utilities company investing in innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, generous holiday, and private medical cover.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transforming operations and driving strategic initiatives.
- 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, 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.
Procurement Category Manager in Reading 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 culture that values strategic thinking and stakeholder engagement. With a competitive salary, annual bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package including private medical cover and a flexible benefits platform, we are committed to fostering employee growth and resilience in a supportive hybrid working environment.
Contact Details:
Signet Recruitment and Retention Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Manager in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the procurement field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about roles that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in 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 scenarios with friends or mentors to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Category Manager in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Procurement Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in category management and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align with the job description!
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 role. Share specific examples of how you've influenced stakeholders and managed complex categories. Let us see your personality too!
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking:In your application, emphasise your ability to think strategically. Discuss how you've developed category plans and navigated market dynamics. We’re looking for someone who sees category management as a key business enabler!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply 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 you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
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, supply chain dynamics, 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 Engagement 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 the role, so make sure to highlight your ability to communicate effectively and navigate complex environments.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss how you approach category planning strategically. Share your thought process on creating intelligent category plans and balancing value creation with commercial risk. This will help the interviewers see you as a strategic partner rather than just a buyer.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Since negotiation is key in this role, think of specific examples where you've successfully negotiated complex contracts. Be prepared to discuss your strategies and outcomes. This will showcase your capability to handle high-value supplier portfolios and reinforce your position as a commercial authority.
