At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies for indirect goods and services, focusing on IT.
- Company: Join Unipart, a leader in supply chain performance improvement.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 33 days holiday, pension, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace valuing diverse backgrounds and talents.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in category strategy sourcing and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Nuneaton/Hybrid Competitive salary plus car/car allowance, 33 days holiday (including bank holidays), pension, bonus, life assurance, employee assistance programme, wellbeing support, and flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme.
About the Role
You will support the Head of Procurement in leading and managing the procurement of indirect goods and services across all Unipart operations, with a particular focus on IT. You will provide a timely and cost-effective procurement category strategy and expertise to stakeholders across the portfolio of sites and clients. You will also promote the procurement platform while driving improvements in the stakeholder experience, working collaboratively to drive alignment and maximise opportunities.
As part of your key responsibilities you’ll:
- Develop and implement commercial sourcing strategies for indirect services and goods, delivering Value for Money (VFM) and cost reduction across multiple categories and clients.
- Ensure suitable contractual coverage, reviewing and negotiating contract terms, and managing approval through to signature to mitigate supply risk.
- Lead strategic sourcing activities where required, and manage key supplier relationships for long-term strategic partnering and benefit opportunities.
- Support internal stakeholders with key supplier performance reviews and provide an expert point of contact to senior stakeholders at all levels.
- Implement procurement policies, processes, and procedures to help protect and advance the business.
- Manage change through effective procurement leadership, utilising The Unipart Way principles, and deputise for the Head of Procurement when required.
About You
We’d love you to have the following skills and experience, but please apply if you think you’d be able to perform well in this role!
- Previous experience in multiple category strategy sourcing, preferably within a fast-paced environment, with a track record of delivering significant savings and innovative sourcing solutions.
- Strong understanding of standard terms and conditions to mitigate legal and commercial risk, along with excellent negotiation skills.
- Ability to build credible relationships, collaborate effectively, and influence at a senior management level, demonstrating confident, clear, and concise communication.
- Strong IT, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities.
- Highly organised, able to prioritise and multi-task in a fast-paced environment, while demonstrating customer focus and adaptability to change.
- Experience in people management and employee engagement is desired.
About Unipart
We are a supply chain performance improvement partner. We Design, Make, Move, and Improve components in our customers’ supply chains, keeping their operations and assets moving and working better, for longer. Through our commitment to continuously driving operational efficiencies, we improve performance - saving time, cost, and carbon. Our ambition is to be the driving force behind efficient, resilient, and sustainable supply chains.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
We believe that a great workplace is one where you can bring your whole self to work. Our recruitment process is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and based entirely on merit. We define merit through a combination of technical skills and the core behaviours that help our people thrive at Unipart. We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of background or circumstances. We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity that exceeds our statutory obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and subsequent legislation. Whether it’s your age, disability, neurodiversity, gender identity, family status, or any other characteristic that makes you ‘you’ - it is your talent and potential that we value most.
Adjustments for you:
We want you to perform at your best. If you require any reasonable adjustments or have specific accessibility needs at any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know. We are here to support you.
You may have experience of the following: Procurement Manager, Category Manager, Strategic Sourcing Manager, Indirect Procurement Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Sourcing Specialist, Vendor Manager, Commercial Manager, Purchasing Manager, Supplier Relationship Manager.
Senior Category Manager in Nuneaton employer: Unipart
Unipart is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth, offering a competitive salary alongside generous benefits such as 33 days of holiday, a pension scheme, and flexible working options. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and inclusivity, ensuring that every team member can contribute to our mission of enhancing supply chain performance while enjoying a supportive environment that values diversity and personal development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager in Nuneaton
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Unipart.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Manager in Nuneaton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Unipart:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Unipart. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Unipart.
How to prepare for a job interview at Unipart
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Unipart!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Unipart. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Unipart's culture.
