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- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy for IT, Marketing, and HR while collaborating with key stakeholders.
- Company: One of the largest Not for Profit care providers in the UK.
- Benefits: Up to £60,000 salary, 25 days holiday, and a competitive pension scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in care while driving innovation and best value.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and analytical mindset.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
Hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week
Pay: Up to £60,000 per annum
Location: Hybrid, requiring two full days per week at our office in Aylesbury.
We’re looking for a highly experienced Senior Buyer / Category Manager to support on the delivery of our procurement strategy for our IT, Marketing and HR category. Partnering with internal stakeholders to understand their business requirements, create and deliver solutions that offer tangible benefits and best value. We are one of the largest Not for Profit care providers in the UK specialising in providing relationship-centred care for older people in nursing, residential and independent living homes. As a charity we ensure that any revenue goes straight back into our homes for the benefit of our residents and employees who care for them.
Responsibilities
- Partnering with key stakeholders to understand their medium to long term requirements
- Undertaking tenders from RFI / RFQ to conclusion
- Developing supplier relationships that will drive innovation, continual improvement and best practice
- Maximises the ROI on spend with third parties
- Ensuring via collaboration with the business that agreed project targets are delivered to time and budget.
- Managing risks and ensuring value for money through effective negotiations and putting in place appropriate contractual relationships.
Qualifications
- Understanding of the IT, Marketing and HR category with ability to predict emerging trends and leverage supplier networks to maintain competitive negotiations.
- A degree is preferred and CIPS qualification is desirable.
- Strong commercial negotiation skills with experience in developing, drafting and managing supplier contracts.
- Strong analytical and numerical skills to evaluate proposals from cost and risk perspectives.
- Ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with a proactive, can-do attitude.
Benefits
- Competitive Company pension
- 25 days holidays plus Bank holidays, increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service
- Life Assurance
- "My Rewards" offering you discount on shopping, days out, restaurants and much more
Category Manager employer: The Orders of St John Care Trust
Contact Detail:
The Orders of St John Care Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Category Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategy. Understand their IT, Marketing, and HR needs so you can showcase how your experience aligns with their goals. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong commercial negotiation abilities. Role-play scenarios with a friend to build confidence and refine your approach.
✨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 Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Category Manager. Highlight your experience in procurement, especially in IT, Marketing, and HR. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for us. Share specific examples of how you've partnered with stakeholders and delivered value in previous roles.
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills: Since strong commercial negotiation skills are key for this role, make sure to include examples of successful negotiations you've led. We love seeing how you’ve maximised ROI and built supplier relationships!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on our radar quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Orders of St John Care Trust
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the IT, Marketing, and HR categories before your interview. Understand current trends and challenges in these areas, as well as how they relate to procurement strategies. This will show that you're not just familiar with the role but also genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you've maximised ROI or driven innovation through supplier relationships. Be ready to discuss specific outcomes and how your approach led to successful contracts. This will demonstrate your strong commercial negotiation skills and your ability to deliver value for money.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would partner with internal stakeholders to understand their needs. Prepare to discuss how you would approach this collaboration and what methods you would use to ensure their requirements are met. This shows that you can juggle multiple priorities and have a proactive attitude.
✨Be Ready for Analytical Questions
Expect questions that test your analytical and numerical skills. Brush up on evaluating proposals from cost and risk perspectives, and be prepared to walk through your thought process. This will highlight your ability to make informed decisions and manage risks effectively.