Category Manager

Category Manager

England Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Signet Resources

At a Glance

  • 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.
  • Other info: Opportunity to participate in community initiatives and gain valuable industry insights.
  • 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.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Category Manager (Digital, Security, Product or Corporate Services)

Hybrid Working 2 days/week in Reading

GBP46,000 – GBP60,000 + strong benefits

A major UK-based organisation is investing heavily in its commercial and procurement capability and is hiring five Category Managers to support a large, complex and evolving spend portfolio.

These are genuinely impactful roles where you’ll own end-to-end category strategy, influence senior stakeholders, and drive real commercial value across multi-million-pound spend areas.

The opportunities

We’re hiring for multiple roles across five distinct areas:

  • Digital (x2): Looking for strong category specialists with experience across digital, tech, or IT spend
  • Security (x1): Covering physical and operational security (e.g. access control, facilities, infrastructure) – facilities management backgrounds welcome
  • Product & Infrastructure (x1): Supporting core products/services and the physical infrastructure behind them
  • Corporate Services (x1): Managing outsourced providers and business services categories

What you’ll be doing

  • Owning and delivering end-to-end category strategies across short, medium, and long-term horizons
  • Leading sourcing activity, supplier selection, and complex negotiations
  • Acting as the commercial expert for your category – bringing market insight, innovation, and challenge
  • Managing key supplier relationships to drive performance, value, and continuous improvement
  • Partnering with stakeholders to influence decision-making and shape commercial outcomes
  • Identifying and managing risk, opportunity, and cost optimisation across your spend area

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Category Manager employer: Signet Resources

Join a leading utilities company in Central Reading as a Category Manager, where you will be part of an innovative team driving change and delivering essential services to millions. Enjoy a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a strong focus on employee well-being and development, all within a diverse and inclusive work culture that values your contributions. This role not only offers the chance to influence procurement strategies but also provides opportunities to engage with the community and enhance your professional growth.
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

Category Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Supplier Relationship Management
Market Analysis
Contract Negotiation
Commercial Acumen
Risk Management
Strategic Planning
Change Management
Analytical Skills
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Project Management
Innovation Mindset

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.

Category Manager
Signet Resources
Location: England
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