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- Tasks: Lead commercial strategies for infrastructure and construction, managing a dynamic team.
- Company: Join a leading public sector organisation with a focus on impactful projects.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of infrastructure while collaborating with senior stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial strategy and procurement, with strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Exciting role with potential for career advancement in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 50 - 70 £ per hour.
Pay Rate: £60.22 per hour PAYE
IR35: INSIDE
Contract Length: 18 MONTHS
Hours: 37 hours per week
Location: Green Park, Reading - 2/3 days per week in office - Site visits to Aldermaston/Burghfield once/twice a month
Security Clearance: DV desirable however, candidates with SC will be considered and if successful, will be put through DV only. SC live/active Sole UK nationals ideal. Dual nationals can be considered.
Our client is seeking an experienced Principal Category Manager to lead the development and delivery of commercial and procurement strategies across complex infrastructure and construction portfolios. This is a senior role with responsibility for strategic sourcing, framework management, and leadership of a commercial team, operating within a public sector regulatory environment.
You will play a critical role in shaping pre-contract commercial strategy, ensuring compliance with procurement legislation, and building strong relationships with senior stakeholders and external partners.
Key Responsibilities- Lead and develop the commercial strategy for infrastructure and construction categories
- Manage and motivate a commercial team of approximately 6 staff, including task allocation and performance oversight
- Produce and implement sourcing and category strategies, with a strong pre-contract focus
- Lead the commercial strategy for external frameworks, including establishment, management, and utilisation
- Deliver end-to-end procurement activity in line with organisational objectives
- Ensure compliance with the Procurement Act, procurement regulations, and internal governance
- Act as a senior commercial adviser to stakeholders at all levels, including executive leadership
- Support the delivery of complex infrastructure and construction programmes
- Apply and advise on NEC contracts (NEC3/NEC4, preference for NEC4)
- Proven experience leading a commercial or procurement strategy team
- Line management and task management experience for a multi-disciplinary team
- Demonstrable experience producing sourcing strategies
- Strong experience working with and leading external framework commercial strategies
- Extensive procurement delivery experience, particularly pre-contract
- Strong strategic thinker with the ability to translate strategy into delivery
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, both internal and external, written and verbal
- Solid understanding of the Procurement Act and public procurement regulations
- Public sector procurement experience (essential)
- Experience delivering infrastructure and/or construction procurement strategies
- Working knowledge of NEC3 or NEC4 contracts (NEC4 preferred)
- Experience liaising with or advising Executive/Board-level stakeholders
- Experience using Jaggaer, Oracle Fusion, and/or CEMAR
- NEC accreditation
- Competent user of standard Microsoft Office packages
- Experience with the following systems is desirable but not essential: Jaggaer, CEMAR, Oracle Fusion
- MCIPS or equivalent - desirable but not essential
Principal Category Manager in Reading employer: Triumph Consultants Ltd
Contact Detail:
Triumph Consultants Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Category Manager in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Principal Category Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in infrastructure and construction. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the one they’ve been looking for!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your strategic thinking and stakeholder management skills, as these are key for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Category Manager in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in leading commercial strategies and managing teams. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Principal Category Manager, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to deliver procurement strategies and manage complex projects. Use numbers and examples to make your case stronger – we love a good success story!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key skills and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff.
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 Triumph Consultants Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of a Principal Category Manager. Brush up on your knowledge of procurement legislation, especially the Procurement Act, and be ready to discuss how you've successfully led commercial strategies in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a team, prepare examples that highlight your leadership style. Think about times when you motivated your team or handled task allocation effectively. Be ready to discuss how you’ve developed others in a commercial setting.
✨Build Relationships
This position requires strong stakeholder management skills. Prepare to talk about how you’ve built relationships with senior stakeholders and external partners. Share specific examples of how these relationships have positively impacted your projects.
✨Get Familiar with NEC Contracts
As the job mentions a preference for NEC4 contracts, make sure you understand the differences between NEC3 and NEC4. Be prepared to discuss your experience with these contracts and how you’ve applied them in previous roles.
