Category Manager

The Opportunity Our client is scaling its Procurement function to support a large investment programme. The successful candidates will own their category end to end, from strategy and market insight through to supplier performance and delivered value. You will be the commercial expert the business turns to: someone who understands the supply market better than anyone else in the room, shapes how money is spent, and leaves Commercial in a stronger position than you found it.

What you’ll be doing Developing and delivering full category strategies across short, medium and long-term horizons, balancing value creation against commercial risk Engaging proactively with internal stakeholders to shape category approach, business needs, spend and supplier choices Establishing yourself as the go-to Procurement and Commercial authority for your category, bringing market knowledge and insight not seen elsewhere in the business Providing leadership on supply market dynamics, regulatory and internal frameworks, supplier landscape and technical innovation Building and prioritising a sourcing pipeline as part of category development Leading category projects and sourcing events in line with the required approach Negotiating all commercial and contractual terms with suppliers, using sound judgement on acceptable contractual risk and supply resilience Leading reviews of supplier opportunities, innovations and improvements Managing supplier performance and relationships, driving continuous improvement and measurable value Being the key point of contact for each supplier relationship you hold, engaging in person and embedding with suppliers rather than relying on calls and online meetings Building effective relationships with key functional stakeholders Leaving a lasting legacy of change and improvement in how Commercial is deployed across the organisation Maintaining accurate, secure records in information systems and delivering timely, accurate reporting on sourcing projects What you’ll bring Essential Strong experience of operating in complex supply chain environments The confidence to challenge industry norms and proactively seek sustained performance improvements A track record in continuous improvement and delivering against stretching targets A good understanding of pre- and post-deal processes, and how better information and process can create value

Experience of working with key suppliers Strong data analysis skills and a holistic approach to risk management The ability to lead complex supplier negotiations of up to £100m in value Behaviours Takes initiative and leads with solutions Ambitious, with a real willingness to learn Relationship-led and comfortable being visible with suppliers and stakeholders What’s in it for you Salary of up to £62,000 per annum, depending on experience Performance-related pay linked to company performance measures and targets 26 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 with length of service (plus bank holidays) Generous pension scheme A wide benefits package covering health, wellbeing and finances, including annual health MOTs, physiotherapy and counselling access, Cycle to Work, shopping vouchers and life assurance The chance to join at the start of a major, multi-year investment programme and shape how Commercial operates