At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category strategies and manage supplier relationships to drive growth.
- Company: Join Telent, a forward-thinking company focused on critical infrastructure.
- Benefits: Enjoy 34 days holiday, car allowance, and discounts on shopping and dining.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree or professional qualification in procurement with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
Our Business Support teams deliver the vital services to ensure the continued success of our business divisions. These services include HR, Finance, Procurement, Marketing, Legal and Commercial, Estates and Facilities, Core Technology, Corporate Security, IT, and Fleet. Every person in every team is contributing to the lasting impact our Team makes. Help build and keep the nation's critical infrastructure connected and protected 24/7.
Reporting to the Senior Procurement Manager, the Category Lead Manager is responsible for developing and achieving category strategies, managing product ranges, optimising pricing and promotions, and building strong relationships with suppliers and internal teams. This involves analysing market trends, understanding consumer behaviour, and driving growth through data-driven insights. This is a hybrid working role, with a requirement to be in our Warwick HQ 1-2 days per week, as well as other ad-hoc travel on occasion.
What you’ll do:
- Accountable for managing categories of spend within a designated business unit and associated spend with a multimillion annual spend.
- Responsible to ensure appropriate use of corporate and functional processes and tools.
- Responsible for management of internal and external stakeholders.
- Responsible for the creation and implementation of the designated commercial strategies for a designated business unit.
- Responsible for the creation of strategies for H/M/L value and complex / non-complex categories.
- Responsible for all RFx activities, managing the sourcing process, negotiation and contracting activities for H/M/L value categories and complex / non-complex categories.
- Responsible for the evaluation of suppliers as part of supplier on-boarding process and implementation of iProcurement strategy category code management in line with Category strategy.
- Responsible for negotiation of flow-down terms for complex agreements.
- Responsible for on-going supplier performance and supplier relationship management throughout the contract lifetime, including inputs to risk register and risk mitigation strategies.
- Assist input into corporate and functional business continuity and disaster recovery plan.
- Implement legislative and international standards within the supply base.
Who you are:
You’re an experienced category professional with a strong commercial mindset. You have a track record of building effective supplier and stakeholder relationships, and you collaborate confidently across teams to deliver results.
Key Requirements:
- Degree or equivalent in an appropriate discipline or Professional qualification MCIPS, preferably Chartered status.
- A track record in driving cost out and driving value up within a Procurement organisation.
- A successful track record of following a strategic sourcing / category management methodology.
- Demonstrable experience in category management in a procurement or commercial environment.
- Experienced in people / team management.
- Experience in developing category plans and strategy.
- Excellent negotiation skills and techniques.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to demonstrate exceptional stakeholder management approach and skills.
What we offer:
A career at Telent can span many sectors, roles, technologies and clients giving you the opportunity to develop, learn new skills and make an impact. We are growing and we rely on our committed Team to deliver. We nurture the talent that makes this happen, by our on-going commitment to creating an inclusive culture that respects and values difference, that celebrates diverse ideas. We want everyone to feel they can be themselves and to thrive at work.
The additional benefits with this role:
- Car Allowance
- 34 days holiday, including public holidays, plus the option to buy or sell days annually OR 26 days holiday, plus public holidays, and the option to buy or sell days annually.
- Company pension scheme.
- A range of family friendly policies.
- Occupational health support and wellbeing Portal.
- Discounts on Cinema, Restaurants and Shopping with Telent Reward scheme.
We’re passionate about creating an environment that champions diversity and inclusion, where everyone feels they belong, can be themselves and empowered to reach their full potential. People are at the heart of our business, and we believe that our teams should reflect the diverse experiences and backgrounds of the communities we support.
Category Lead Manager - Rail employer: Telent
Telent is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and inclusivity, offering a dynamic work environment where you can develop your skills across various sectors and roles. With a strong commitment to diversity, a generous benefits package including a car allowance and extensive holiday options, and a supportive culture that values every team member's contributions, working at our Warwick HQ provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a fulfilling career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Lead Manager - Rail
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Lead Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Lead Manager - Rail
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Category Lead Manager role. Highlight your experience in category management and how it aligns with our needs at StudySmarter. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use specific examples of how you've driven cost savings or improved supplier relationships. This will help us understand the impact you've made in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what’s relevant to the role. This will make it easier for us to see your potential fit within our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Telent
✨Know Your Categories
Before the interview, dive deep into the categories you'll be managing. Understand market trends, pricing strategies, and how to optimise product ranges. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to supplier relationship management and how you've driven value in previous roles. This will highlight your ability to manage complex agreements effectively.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Think about how you can build strong relationships with both internal teams and external suppliers. Share specific instances where you've collaborated across departments or managed stakeholder expectations. This will illustrate your interpersonal skills and collaborative mindset.
✨Demonstrate Data-Driven Insights
Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform your category strategies. Whether it's analysing consumer behaviour or market trends, showcasing your analytical skills will prove that you can drive growth through informed decision-making.
