At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies for subcontracts and engineering trading, driving savings and supplier performance.
- Company: Major UK services and engineering organisation with a strong procurement function.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, hybrid work, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with substantial influence and growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a complex environment while developing your procurement expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management within engineering or infrastructure sectors is essential.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 65000 £ per year.
Category Manager – Subcontracts & Engineering Trading
Salary
c.£65,000 + £5,000 car allowance + bonus + package
Location
Hybrid, with occasional national travel
A major UK services, engineering and infrastructure organisation is looking to appoint an experienced Category Manager into its central procurement function.
The successful candidate will take ownership of two strategically important category areas:
subcontracts and engineering trading .
The role supports a complex, nationally dispersed business delivering technical services, energy, infrastructure, refurbishment and facilities-related contracts.
Within this type of organisation, subcontracts may include specialist technical and operational work packages delivered by third-party contractors.
Engineering trading relates to the commercial procurement of engineering products, equipment, components and associated supplier arrangements used to support contract delivery.
The Role
- Develop and implement separate category strategies across subcontract procurement and engineering trading.
- Consolidate fragmented spend and establish national or regional supplier and subcontractor frameworks.
- Work with operational, commercial, estimating and procurement teams to support live contracts, bids and mobilisations.
- Improve pricing, commercial terms, compliance, supplier performance, risk management and continuity of supply.
- Provide market intelligence and category expertise across a broad and technically complex supply chain.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end procurement activity, including spend analysis, market engagement, sourcing, negotiation, evaluation and contract award.
- Develop effective subcontractor frameworks, commercial models, rate structures and performance-management processes.
- Manage engineering trading categories covering relevant products, materials, equipment, components and technical supply arrangements.
- Support subcontract procurement through cost benchmarking, supplier evaluation and interrogation of commercial proposals.
- Deliver measurable savings, cost certainty and wider commercial value across both category areas.
Key Skills and Experience
- Demonstrable category-management experience across both subcontracts / engineering trading .
- Experience gained within an engineering-led services, infrastructure, construction, energy, technical FM or outsourced operational environment.
- Strong understanding of subcontractor sourcing, commercial terms, cost models, supplier risk and performance management.
- Experience managing engineering products, technical materials, equipment, components or related trading agreements.
- Proven track record of developing category strategies, negotiating complex agreements and delivering measurable savings.
What’s in It for You?
- Join a large and established procurement function with significant influence across a complex UK organisation.
- Take ownership of two strategically important and commercially visible category areas.
- Gain exposure to substantial spend, national frameworks and a broad technical supply chain.
- Work closely with commercial and operational teams across bids, mobilisations and live contract delivery.
- Access strong progression opportunities within category management and procurement leadership.
Category Manager - Subcontracts & Engineering Trading in England employer: Talent Drive | B Corp
At Talent Drive | B Corp™, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture in the heart of London. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through mentorship opportunities and a supportive environment that encourages innovation and collaboration. With a competitive bonus structure and a hybrid working model, we ensure our team members enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance while contributing to meaningful projects in the procurement sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Subcontracts & Engineering Trading in England
✨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 Talent Drive | B Corp.
✨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 - Subcontracts & Engineering Trading in England
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 Talent Drive | B Corp:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Talent Drive | B Corp. 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 Talent Drive | B Corp.
How to prepare for a job interview at Talent Drive | B Corp
✨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 Talent Drive | B Corp!
✨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 Talent Drive | B Corp. 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 Talent Drive | B Corp's culture.
