Senior Category Manager in Birmingham

Senior Category Manager in Birmingham

Birmingham Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
wmtrains

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead category strategy and guide teams through impactful change.
  • Company: Dynamic organisation focused on strategic contracting and procurement governance.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for career advancement.
  • Other info: Join a forward-thinking team with a commitment to excellence.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping procurement strategies and driving operational gains.
  • Qualifications: Experience in category management and strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.

We are seeking a Senior Category Manager to lead the category strategy across Fleet.

You will guide colleagues through change, build capability, and support effective engagement with Finance, IT, and the DFTO.

This role leads impactful tendering activity under PA23 regulations, securing real commercial and operational gains for WM Trains.

You'll champion high-quality procurement governance and help shape how the organisation delivers its strategic contracting ambitions.

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Senior Category Manager in Birmingham employer: wmtrains

As a Senior Category Manager at WM Trains, you will be part of a dynamic team that values innovation and collaboration, fostering a culture where your contributions directly impact the organisation's strategic goals. With a strong focus on professional development, we offer numerous growth opportunities and a supportive environment that encourages engagement across departments. Located in a vibrant area, our workplace not only provides competitive benefits but also promotes a healthy work-life balance, making it an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.

wmtrains

Contact Details:

wmtrains Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager in Birmingham

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 wmtrains.

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 Birmingham

Category Strategy Development
Change Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Tendering Activity
Commercial Acumen
Operational Gains
Procurement Governance

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 wmtrains:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to wmtrains. 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 wmtrains.

How to prepare for a job interview at wmtrains

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 wmtrains!

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 wmtrains. 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 wmtrains's culture.