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- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships to drive change in a dynamic market.
- Company: Join a leading utilities company committed to delivering essential services to millions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 26 days annual leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills in a diverse and inclusive culture.
- Qualifications: Strong background in Category Management and excellent stakeholder engagement skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity to participate in community initiatives and gain valuable industry insights.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
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Category Manager – Procurement
Hybrid – Central Reading
About the Role
Our client, a leading utilities company, is on an exciting procurement journey and is looking for talented Category Managers who can challenge, engage, influence, and drive change within an ever-evolving market. This is an opportunity to bring a fresh approach and a curious mindset to a dynamic team.
As a Category Manager, you will be a commercial expert within your assigned category, leveraging market knowledge to develop and implement strategies that ensure best-in-class commercial arrangements. Your work will play a key role in supporting the essential services provided to millions of customers every day.
Key Responsibilities
- Play a crucial role in the Procurement and Supplier Management team, embedding a strategic and innovative Category Management approach across the organisation.
- Manage a portfolio of suppliers, ensuring continuous improvement throughout the contract lifecycle while identifying opportunities for added value.
- Lead, develop, and manage end-to-end category plans for the short, medium, and long term, balancing commercial risk and value opportunities.
- Provide extensive category knowledge and market insight to internal stakeholders, delivering category plans and sourcing events while managing category-level risk.
- Act as the commercial expert for the category, ensuring the organisation remains agile and responsive to market changes.
What You’ll Bring
- A deep understanding of stakeholder and corporate needs in the short, medium, and long term.
- Strong knowledge of the external supply market, including suppliers, trends, innovation, and market dynamics, to identify new sources of value.
- Excellent engagement skills to support, influence, and constructively challenge stakeholders to achieve optimal commercial outcomes.
- A strong track record in Category Management, demonstrating the ability to build supplier and stakeholder relationships while delivering results.
- The ability to provide market insights, identify risks and opportunities, and drive commercial success.
- Experience negotiating with suppliers on contractual and commercial matters, applying sound judgment on contractual risk and supply resilience.
What’s in it for You?
This role offers a competitive salary package, including an excellent contributory pension, 26 days of annual leave (increasing to 30 with service), and a range of additional benefits designed to support well-being and financial security.
As a major player in the utilities sector, our client takes pride in delivering essential services to communities. They value diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all backgrounds and providing additional support to those who need it during the recruitment process.
There is also an opportunity to participate in initiatives that support customers and communities, gaining valuable experience and insights into the wider business while earning additional income.
If you\’re ready to take on an exciting challenge and make a real impact in the utilities industry, our client would love to hear from you.
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Category Manager employer: Signet Resources
Contact Detail:
Signet Resources Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in procurement and category management. Understanding current market dynamics will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your proactive approach to staying informed.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the utilities sector, especially those involved in procurement. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals that could enhance your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and driven value in previous roles. Being able to articulate your achievements will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s values and recent initiatives in the utilities sector. Tailoring your conversation to align with their mission and demonstrating your enthusiasm for their work can make a strong impression during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Category Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in Category Management and procurement. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships, negotiated contracts, and delivered results in previous roles.
Showcase Your Market Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of the external supply market and trends relevant to the utilities sector. Include insights or examples that showcase your ability to identify new sources of value and drive commercial success.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a tailored cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Use this opportunity to express how you can contribute to their procurement journey and support essential services.
How to prepare for a job interview at Signet Resources
✨Understand the Market Dynamics
Before your interview, make sure to research the current trends and dynamics in the utilities sector. Being able to discuss recent developments or challenges in the market will demonstrate your expertise and show that you are proactive about staying informed.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders in the past. Highlight specific instances where you influenced decisions or managed relationships effectively, as this is crucial for a Category Manager role.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen
Be ready to discuss your experience with negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships. Use concrete examples to illustrate how you've balanced commercial risks with value opportunities in previous roles.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the company's procurement strategies or how they measure success in category management. It shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
