Category Pipeline Manager

Category Pipeline Manager

Purpose The Category Pipeline Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing the pipeline of initiatives within a wide portfolio of categories, ensuring that projects are prioritised, resourced, and delivered in alignment with organisational strategy. The role provides visibility, governance, and assurance across the pipeline to maximise value and efficiency. The Category Pipeline manager should understand and have created category strategies and be able to identify opportunities aligned with our category strategies.

• Pipeline Management
  • Develop and maintain the category pipeline, ensuring accurate data and visibility of all initiatives.
  • Monitor pipeline health, identify bottlenecks, and propose corrective actions.
  • Ensure alignment of pipeline initiatives with strategic objectives and benefits realisation plans.
• Category Strategy Development
  • Develop and maintain a category strategies aligned with organisational objectives.
  • Identify opportunities for cost savings, innovation, and risk reduction.
• Planning & Prioritisation
  • Work with stakeholders to prioritise initiatives based on business case, benefits, and resource availability.
  • Support decision-making through robust analysis and reporting.
• Governance & Assurance
  • Apply MOD tools and processes to ensure compliance with governance standards.
  • Track progress against milestones and escalates risks or issues impacting delivery.
• Stakeholder Engagement
  • Build strong relationships with category teams, programme offices, and senior stakeholders.
  • Facilitate workshops and reviews to validate pipeline priorities and dependencies.
• Performance Monitoring & Reporting
  • Monitor category performance against strategic objectives.
  • Produce regular reports and dashboards for senior management.
  • Use data analytics to identify trends and inform decision-making.
  • Produce regular reports on pipeline status, risks, and opportunities.
  • Provide insights to inform strategic planning and resource allocation.

• Essential:
  • Experience in pipeline or portfolio management within a complex organisation.
  • Category management expertise understanding category strategies and developed in the past.
  • Strong analytical and organisational skills.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
  • Ability to work collaboratively across organisational boundaries.
• Desirable:
  • Experience with project or programme management tools.
• Qualifications:
  • APM Project Fundamentals or Practitioner (or equivalent).
  • Portfolio Management certification (e.g., MoP) desirable.
  • CIPS