At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage the entire category lifecycle for diverse goods and services.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking water company committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous pension scheme, 5 weeks holiday, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on sustainability and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while working with innovative teams and stakeholders.
- Qualifications: MCIPS membership and strong commercial mindset required; excellent communication skills are a must.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Reporting to the Procurement Manager, you will play a pivotal role in developing, influencing, and challenging our procurement strategies through close collaboration with key stakeholders. In this position, you will take full ownership of the procurement lifecycle—from the initial identification of needs and scoping to final delivery and implementation. Your remit will be diverse, ranging from operational and construction materials to mechanical and electrical equipment. You will also enhance our approach by identifying tactical value management opportunities, ensuring we optimise outcomes based on customer volumes and specific technical requirements.
Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver all aspects of end-to-end category management for the range of goods, services and works within your area of responsibility to meet the needs of the business.
- Own and manage the category budget, including savings forecasting, tracking and reporting on financial performance against targets.
- Work with internal contract owners and stakeholders to agree sourcing strategies aligned to the company's business plan.
- Directly manage, coach and develop the Category Buyer(s), setting performance objectives and conducting regular reviews to ensure successful strategy execution.
- Monitor market conditions, mitigate risks and ensure that robust contingencies are in place for business critical goods and services and support the business when service or supply issues occur.
- Lead the identification of disruptive market opportunities and supplier innovations that can provide a competitive advantage to the business.
- Drive environmental, social and corporate governance improvements working with the supply chain and stakeholders and in line with the company's responsible business commitments.
- Provide contract management and commercial support to contract owners to maintain high performing collaborative delivery partners.
- Develop and maintain effective stakeholder relationships with internal customers.
- Ensure compliance with the Utilities Contract Regulations.
- Define the strategic data requirements for the category and oversee the effective utilisation of procurement software and analytics to drive category decisions.
Qualifications
- Member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (MCIPS).
- A strong commercial mindset.
- Exceptional communication skills (written and verbal).
- Self‑motivated, committed and organised.
- Ability to lead the end-to‑end tender process, from initial procurement strategy to tender negotiation and contract award.
- A proven ability to solve problems and to drive decision making.
- Ability to coordinate with multiple discipline teams working to tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated expertise in leading and executing strategic purchasing and supply chain management initiatives.
- Demonstrable experience in supply chain management.
- Ideally with water industry experience.
- Knowledge of the Utilities Contracts Regulations.
We want to be the water company people want to be supplied by and want to work for. We know the communities we serve are diverse. We recognise creativity comes from diversity not similarity. We are enthusiastic about creating inclusion across age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion and identity. We commit to equal opportunities and fair treatment for all, through recruitment, employment and career progression with South East Water.
Benefits
- Excellent Stakeholder pension scheme, up to 10% employer contribution.
- 5 weeks holiday plus.
Category Manager in Tonbridge employer: South East Water UK
At South East Water, we pride ourselves on being an employer of choice, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Category Manager, you will benefit from a strong commitment to employee development, with opportunities for coaching and career progression, all while contributing to our mission of providing exceptional water services to diverse communities. Our inclusive culture, coupled with a generous pension scheme and ample holiday allowance, makes us an attractive place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Tonbridge
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like South East Water UK.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Tonbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to South East Water UK:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to South East Water UK. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like South East Water UK.
How to prepare for a job interview at South East Water UK
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at South East Water UK!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at South East Water UK. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into South East Water UK's culture.
