Category Manager

Job Title:

Category Manager

The Category Manager role involves developing and implementing category strategies over short, medium and long-term horizons to deliver measurable value while managing commercial risks. This position requires providing market insights, leading sourcing activities, and being the commercial expert who can adapt to market dynamics to achieve optimal outcomes. Additionally, the role oversees supplier performance and relationships, promoting continuous improvement and ensuring alignment with organisational objectives.

This is a chance to grow with a dynamic, forward-thinking procurement team during an exciting period of investment.

• Proactively engage with internal stakeholders to shape category strategies, addressing business needs, spend, and supplier engagement.
• Act as the procurement and commercial expert for the category, leveraging market insights and a deep understanding of supply dynamics, regulatory frameworks, suppliers, and technical innovations.
• Identify and prioritise a sourcing pipeline as part of category planning.
• Lead category projects and sourcing events, adhering to established frameworks and approaches.
• Negotiate with suppliers on commercial and contractual matters, determining acceptable levels of contractual risk and supply resilience.
• Review supplier opportunities to foster innovation and continuous improvement.
• Maintain accurate and secure records in line with required information system standards.
• Provide timely and accurate reporting on sourcing projects through available reporting tools.

• Knowledge and experience in managing complex supply chain environments.
• Ability to challenge industry norms and identify opportunities for sustained performance improvements.
• Proven track record in driving continuous improvement and achieving ambitious targets.
• Strong understanding of pre- and post-deal processes and how process improvements can drive organisational value.
• Hands‑on experience managing key supplier relationships.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data effectively.
• Expertise in risk management on a holistic level.
• Capability in handling categories valued up to £100m.

• Competitive salary.
• Annual Leave: 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 days with length of service, plus bank holidays.
• Performance‑related pay plan linked to company performance metrics.
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Access to a variety of benefits to support your health, wellbeing, and financial stability. This includes annual health checks, physiotherapy access, counselling services, Cycle to Work schemes, shopping discounts, and life assurance.

Salary: £45,000 - £65,000

Location:

Reading (hybrid)