At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement activities and gain hands-on experience in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join the award-winning Corporate Procurement Service at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, pension scheme, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace celebrating diversity with excellent learning and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Develop your skills in procurement while making a real impact in the community.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills, organised, and proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
The predicted salary is between 29540 - 29540 £ per year.
Band C (£26,824 - £29,540 per annum) Fixed Term Contract / Secondment Opportunity – 12 Months
We're looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our award‑winning Corporate Procurement Service as an Assistant Category Manager. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands‑on experience across a broad range of procurement activities at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council.
As Assistant Category Manager, you’ll support Category Managers and Strategic Procurement Business Partners in delivering specialist procurement services across the Council. You’ll gain experience in all stages of the procurement cycle, including:
- Market research and supplier engagement
- Request for Quote processes
- Tendering exercises and contract management
- Procurement compliance and governance
- Data analysis and reporting
- Supporting stakeholders to achieve value for money and social value outcomes
We'll manage your own procurement activities while providing support and guidance from experienced colleagues, allowing you to build your commercial, procurement and project management skills.
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has strong numerical and analytical skills
- Can interpret information and present findings clearly
- Is organised and able to manage competing priorities
- Has excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Has experience using Microsoft Office applications, including Excel
In return, we offer:
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Employee benefits and wellbeing support
- Learning and development opportunities
Solihull Council is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees – a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Category Manager
✨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 WMJobs.
✨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 Assistant Category Manager
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 WMJobs:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to WMJobs. 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 WMJobs.
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨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 WMJobs!
✨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 WMJobs. 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 WMJobs's culture.
