At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement activities and drive value for money in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join the University of Manchester, a hub of innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 29 days annual leave, generous pension contributions, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Great opportunities for professional growth and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on procurement processes while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or category management with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Category Manager. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the delivery of strategic procurement and commercial services within a dynamic and inclusive environment. You will play a key role in driving value for money across a broad portfolio of goods and services while supporting the University’s ongoing commercial transformation.
Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end procurement activities, including tenders and contract management, ensuring compliance and delivery of commercial value.
- Develop and improve procurement systems, processes, and tools to enhance efficiency and transparency.
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers, acting as a trusted business partner.
- Manage supplier performance and contract compliance to maximise value and mitigate risk.
- Support and guide colleagues through procurement processes, delivering excellent customer service.
About You
We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
Essential Criteria
- Relevant procurement or category management experience within a complex organisation.
- Proven ability to deliver value-for-money outcomes and manage procurement activities.
- Strong commercial awareness with evidence of delivering efficiencies or cost savings.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience with ERP or e-procurement systems (e.g., Oracle Financials).
- Knowledge of UK public procurement regulations and best practice.
- Professional procurement qualification (e.g., CIPS/MCIPS) or equivalent.
- Experience using tendering software and procurement tools.
- Background in a highly commercial role (non-procurement candidates also considered).
Our Benefits Include
- Generous employer contribution pension.
- 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure.
- Ride to work and EV car scheme available.
Additional Information
This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must demonstrate the right to work in the UK. Applications close at midnight on the closing date.
Category Manager in Manchester employer: The University of Manchester
The University of Manchester is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where collaboration and innovation thrive. As a Category Manager, you will benefit from generous annual leave, a strong pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth, all while contributing to the university's commercial transformation. With a commitment to employee development and a supportive culture, this role provides a meaningful opportunity to make a significant impact within a prestigious institution.
Contact Details:
The University of Manchester Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field and let them know you're on the hunt for a Category Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement processes. Familiarise yourself with their current suppliers and any recent projects. This will help you demonstrate your commercial awareness and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Category Manager, you'll need to engage with various stakeholders. Role-play common interview scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We love seeing applications from motivated individuals like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant procurement experience. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Category Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Commercial Awareness:In your application, emphasise your understanding of delivering value-for-money outcomes. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to manage procurement activities effectively, so share specific examples where you’ve made a difference.
Engage with Stakeholders:Since building strong relationships is key in this role, mention any experiences you have in stakeholder engagement. We love to see how you’ve collaborated with others to achieve common goals, so let us know about those partnerships!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application 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 to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Manchester
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially around UK public procurement regulations and best practices. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the basics but also understand the complexities of the role.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've built strong relationships with stakeholders in previous roles. Think about times when you acted as a trusted business partner and how you managed supplier performance. This will demonstrate your ability to engage effectively with both internal teams and external suppliers.
✨Demonstrate Value for Money
Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've delivered value-for-money outcomes or cost savings. Use metrics or data to back up your claims, as this will highlight your commercial awareness and ability to drive efficiencies in procurement activities.
✨Organise Your Thoughts
With multiple priorities in this role, it's crucial to show your organisational skills during the interview. Prepare a clear structure for your answers and be ready to discuss how you manage competing demands. This will reassure them that you can handle the fast-paced environment of category management.
