At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement for Marketing and HR, driving value and efficiency.
- Company: Join a leading public-sector organisation with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and impactful projects.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public-sector procurement while working remotely.
- Qualifications: Experience in public-sector procurement and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
- Category Manager - Marketing & HR
- Sector: Public Sector
- Working Pattern: Hybrid / Remote
Are you an experienced Category Manager with a strong background in public-sector procurement and indirect categories?
We are working with a leading public-sector organisation that is looking to appoint a Category Manager – Marketing & HR to take ownership of key strategic categories and deliver commercial value across the organisation.
This is an exciting opportunity to join an established procurement function at a time of significant activity, including an upcoming re-tender of recruitment services.
The Role
As Category Manager, you will develop and implement category strategies across Marketing, HR and associated indirect spend, working closely with stakeholders to ensure effective procurement, supplier management and commercial outcomes.
Key responsibilities will include
- Developing and delivering category strategies across Marketing, HR and related indirect categories.
- Leading end-to-end procurement activity, from market engagement and sourcing through to tender, negotiation and contract award.
- Taking a leading role in the upcoming re-tender of recruitment services, including temporary recruitment.
- Supporting the development and implementation of a brand marketing procurement framework.
- Managing supplier relationships and driving performance, value and continuous improvement.
- Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders and providing expert commercial and procurement advice.
- Identifying opportunities for cost savings, efficiencies and improved supplier performance.
- Ensuring procurement activity complies with relevant public-sector procurement regulations, policies and governance requirements.
- Supporting wider procurement and category management initiatives as required.
About You
We are looking for an experienced procurement professional who can operate confidently at both strategic and operational levels.
You will ideally have
- Proven experience working as a Category Manager / Senior Procurement Manager within the public sector.
- Strong experience across indirect procurement, ideally including Marketing, HR, Recruitment or Professional Services.
- Experience managing complex tenders and end-to-end procurement projects.
- Previous experience of recruitment / temporary labour procurement would be highly advantageous.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders.
- Excellent negotiation, commercial and analytical capabilities.
- A good understanding of public-sector procurement regulations and governance.
- The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a wider procurement team.
- What's on Offer
- Hybrid working - 1 day per week in Berkshire, with the remainder remote
- The opportunity to work on high-profile strategic procurement projects.
- A varied and commercially focused category management role.
- The chance to make a tangible impact within a leading public-sector organisation.
- A supportive and collaborative procurement environment.
If you're an experienced public-sector Category Manager with a background in Marketing, HR, Recruitment or wider indirect procurement, we'd love to hear from you – beth@talentdrive. co. uk
Category Manager - Marketing & HR in Reading employer: Talent Drive | B CorpTM
Join a globally recognised multi-billion pound business as a Senior Procurement Manager in IT, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping procurement strategies and engaging with CxO level stakeholders. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, this company offers a comprehensive benefits package, a collaborative work culture, and the opportunity to work in Bracknell, balancing office presence with flexibility. Here, your expertise will not only drive significant savings but also contribute to a dynamic environment that values innovation and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Marketing & HR in Reading
✨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 CorpTM.
✨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 - Marketing & HR in Reading
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 CorpTM:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Talent Drive | B CorpTM. 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 CorpTM.
How to prepare for a job interview at Talent Drive | B CorpTM
✨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 CorpTM!
✨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 CorpTM. 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 CorpTM's culture.
