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, private medical cover, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a high-impact role that shapes operational resilience and drives business success.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management with strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation 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 Slough 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 range of benefits 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 Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect 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 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 a friend 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 connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Category Manager in Slough
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 the right fit for our needs.
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 you can contribute to our strategic goals. Be sure to mention your stakeholder engagement skills and how you can influence at a senior level.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking:In both your CV and cover letter, demonstrate your ability to think strategically. We want to see examples of how you've developed category plans or navigated complex supply chain dynamics in previous roles. This will help us understand your potential in this highly visible position.
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 and culture!
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 responsibilities 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 you can articulate your approach and the outcomes of those interactions.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss how you develop category plans and strategies. Bring examples of past projects where your strategic input led to significant improvements or savings. This will highlight your ability to think critically and act as a commercial authority.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Expect questions around negotiation tactics and complex contractual environments. Prepare to discuss specific situations where you successfully negotiated terms or resolved conflicts. This will showcase your capability to handle high-value supplier portfolios effectively.
