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- Tasks: Lead high-value procurement activities and shape strategic procurement strategies.
- Company: Join a dynamic organisation in Green Park, Reading with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive pay of £60.22 per hour, hybrid working, and a 12-month contract.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by managing critical supplier relationships and driving value.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in public procurement with active SC clearance required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a highly regulated environment with excellent career growth.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 120000 £ per year.
Rate of Pay: £60.22 per hour PAYE
Hours: 37 per week
Length of Contract: 12 months
Location: Green Park, Reading
Hybrid Working: 3 days a week onsite
Active SC Clearance
Candidates must be sole UK nationals
Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Category Manager to lead complex, high-value procurement activity across strategic categories. This role will suit a commercially astute professional who can operate autonomously, influence senior stakeholders, and deliver value through robust supplier and category management.
You will be responsible for shaping procurement strategies, running compliant and competitive procurement exercises, negotiating commercial outcomes, and managing critical supplier relationships across large, complex contracts.
Top 4 Essential Evaluation Criteria
- Public Procurement Expertise: Demonstrable experience delivering compliant procurement activity within a regulated public procurement environment.
- Supplier Relationship Management: Proven ability to manage and influence strategic suppliers to drive performance, value, and continuous improvement.
- Experience in Highly Regulated or Complex Client Environments: Background working within large, structured organisations with stringent governance, assurance, and risk requirements (experience in central or wider public sector environments is advantageous).
- Competitive Flexible Procurement under PA23: Hands-on experience running competitive, flexible procurement procedures in line with the Procurement Act 2023, including open frameworks.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Active SC Security Clearance
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in public procurement
- Strong commercial negotiation skills
- Proven track record of cost reduction and value extraction from contracts
- Supplier Relationship Management: Ability to influence suppliers and deliver measurable outcomes
- Stakeholder Management: Comfortable engaging at multiple levels, both internal and external
- Ability to work autonomously and take ownership of complex workstreams
- Experience managing contracts of a similar size and complexity
- Strong knowledge of regulated procurement environments and governance
- Practical experience delivering: Competitive flexible procurements under PA23, Open framework procurement activity
Desirable Experience
- Exposure to Palantir
- An IT or digital background
- Experience integrating or working alongside enterprise systems such as SAP or similar ERP platforms
Senior Category Manager in England employer: Triumph Consultants Ltd
Contact Detail:
Triumph Consultants Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Tailor your answers to showcase how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in public procurement and supplier management.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role requires strong commercial negotiation abilities, consider role-playing scenarios with a friend or mentor to sharpen your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that match your skills, and applying directly can give you an edge over other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Manager in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in public procurement and supplier relationship management. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Senior Category Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Expertise: When detailing your experience, focus on specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage complex procurement activities and negotiate effectively. We love seeing quantifiable results, so if you've achieved cost reductions or improved supplier performance, make it known!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’re the perfect fit for the job.
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 gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Triumph Consultants Ltd
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your public procurement expertise. Familiarise yourself with the latest regulations, especially the Procurement Act 2023. Being able to discuss compliant procurement activity confidently will show that you're the right fit for the role.
✨Show Off Your Supplier Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and influenced strategic suppliers in the past. Think about specific instances where you drove performance or achieved cost reductions. This will demonstrate your ability to deliver value through strong supplier relationships.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to talk about your experience engaging with stakeholders at various levels. Highlight situations where you’ve had to influence decisions or navigate complex environments. This will showcase your comfort in managing relationships and working autonomously.
✨Get Familiar with the Tools
If you have experience with systems like SAP or similar ERP platforms, make sure to mention it. If not, do a bit of research on how these tools can integrate with procurement processes. Showing that you understand the tech side can set you apart from other candidates.
