Hays
Senior Category Manager
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You will join a major industrial organisation where procurement supports commercial performance, operational continuity and security of supply. The procurement function works closely with the wider business to manage costs, improve supplier performance and develop an effective, flexible supply base.
Your new role
As Senior Category Manager, you will lead sourcing activities within your category group and support Sourcing Leads in delivering a professional and cost-effective procurement service. You will develop and implement category strategies that balance commercial priorities with the operational needs of the business.
You will take ownership of category objectives and annual plans, including sourcing strategies, stakeholder plans, supplier market analysis and contract management plans. You will define contract-specific performance measures and identify commercial risks, supply issues and opportunities for improvement. Working closely with the Procurement Manager and senior stakeholders, you will build a clear understanding of business strategy, spend and operational requirements. You will use this insight to provide practical commercial advice and develop procurement solutions that reduce costs, support security of supply and improve supplier performance.
You will lead negotiations for contracts within your category, assess supplier cost structures and make decisions based on Total Cost of Ownership and Value in Use. You will also support wider procurement targets relating to cost savings, cash benefits, spend management, supplier performance and continuity of supply.
What you'll need to succeed
You will have experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, category management or a related commercial role. Candidates with a contract management background and a clear interest in moving into a broader commercial procurement position will also be considered.
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You will need experience of negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships and working with commercial terms and contract terminology. You must be able to analyse financial and commercial information, manage large volumes of data and make informed decisions based on evidence and sound judgement. Strong stakeholder management skills are required. You will need the confidence to influence people at different levels, manage competing priorities and build effective working relationships with internal teams and suppliers.
You will be organised, commercially focused and able to manage a substantial workload within agreed timescales. Clear communication, presentation, facilitation, problem-solving and conflict-management skills are also important. Practical experience of SAP and Microsoft PowerPoint is required. Knowledge of quality management and continuous improvement practices would support your application. A degree or equivalent qualification and CIPS membership are preferred but are not essential.
What you'll get in return
A negotiable package, dependent on experience, is on offer, with an excellent benefits package and flexible/hybrid working policy also on offer.
You will take on a senior category management position with responsibility for strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, contract management and commercial performance. You will have the opportunity to influence procurement decisions, work directly with senior stakeholders and contribute to cost control, supplier performance and operational resilience.
The role provides broad exposure across procurement and the wider organisation, with scope to develop category strategies and improve how the business manages external spend and supplier relationships. The role offers genuine career development opportunities.
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What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Desired Skills and Experience
You will have experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, category management or a related commercial role. Candidates with a contract management background and a clear interest in moving into a broader commercial procurement position will also be considered.
You will need experience of negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships and working with commercial terms and contract terminology. You must be able to analyse financial and commercial information, manage large volumes of data and make informed decisions based on evidence and sound judgement. Strong stakeholder management skills are required. You will need the confidence to influence people at different levels, manage competing priorities and build effective working relationships with internal teams and suppliers.
You will be organised, commercially focused and able to manage a substantial workload within agreed timescales. Clear communication, presentation, facilitation, problem-solving and conflict-management skills are also important. Practical experience of SAP and Microsoft PowerPoint is required. Knowledge of quality management and continuous improvement practices would support your application. A degree or equivalent qualification and CIPS membership are preferred but are not essential.
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