Category Manager

Neos Networks; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in telecommunications is seeking a driven Category Manager to enhance their Procurement strategy. This role requires a creative individual who can navigate complex challenges and support the growth of the Procurement department. The successful candidate will engage with various departments, ensuring optimal commercial outcomes and compliance with corporate policies.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in Procurement in a range of categories.
• Experience of running substantive end to end Procurement projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop and drive the Procurement strategy for key product and services categories.
• Acting as a business partner to various departments.

Skills

Negotiation

Problem Solving

Communication

Strategic Thinking

Job description

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Base location: Reading office 2/3 days per week is required

Salary: to £65k depending on experience + performance related bonus + a range of other benefits to support your family, finances, and wellbeing.

Working Pattern: Permanent Full time with the option of hybrid working

The Commercial and Procurement Team embarked on a journey to mature over the last few years which has seen their profile and influence within the business grow significantly. The team now need to move to the next level, extending beyond the traditional expectations of their function to become best in class commercial business partners. To support this vision, Neos is looking for a driven and creative Category Manager who can assess complex challenges from which they can distil out, own and drive through strategies which deliver significant value add across the business.

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Procurement the Category Manager is a highly visible role which will develop and drive the Procurement strategy for key product and services categories of spend across Neos. You will also play an active role in reshaping our Procurement department from the ground up.

Coverage will include development of the Procurement and category strategy for areas of spend, such as Indirect, Connectivity, Civils and Network hardware, software and services and other new services or product spend areas where the business may require support.

This Category Manager role will join a developing function and as an experienced member of the Procurement team, this individual will be expected to support Procurement strategic decision making.

Responsibilities/Accountabilities

The role entails working as part of the Procurement Team to support the evolution of the procurement strategy and transformation roadmap and ensuring this is this reflected across all the specific categories of spend within this remit:

• Acting as a business partner to various departments depending on specific categories in scope and providing creative challenge which influences and supports business decision making.
• Support the business to deliver the best possible commercial outcomes, ensuring clarity around areas such as risks, routes to market, resource commitments, supply market dynamics, competitive strategies and delivery plans.
• Developing and maintaining clear and current category plans for all spend areas under their influence, aligned to the business objectives, which identify a pipeline of procurement opportunities.
• Using internal and external technology category data, relationships and insight to formulate a clear point of view on business investment decisions (e.g. supply market reviews, business case assessments etc.), stimulate creative conversations and encourage innovative thinking within the business.
• Leading the delivery of a breadth of procurement initiatives using best in class sourcing solutions such as e-Procurement, e-auctioning, strategic sourcing etc.
• Leading on behalf of Neos in complex commercial and contractual negotiations, working with stakeholders, Finance and Legal to close negotiations with contracts which fully protect Neos’s commercial and operational risks and interests.
• Supporting Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) activity to ensure strategic supplier management is considered in all purchase decisions, addressing in life challenges with incumbent suppliers and ultimately delivering competitive advantage to Neos through these relationships.
• Ensuring compliance with corporate product, procedural, regulatory, quality, environmental and corporate social responsibility policies.

What do I need?

Previous experience in Procurement in a range of categories

Understanding of Procurement basics - contract law, category management, negotiation, market dynamics, commercial strategy, strategic sourcing.

Ability to translate business needs into legal and commercial requirements based on customer centric business partnering.

Production of high-quality work products including Contracts, Financial Analysis, RFP’s etc. that are fit for purpose in the category being supported and that ensure on time delivery.

Liaising with senior stakeholders

Experience of running substantive end to end Procurement projects.

Engagement and relationship building abilities. Naturally accessible. Ability to communicate complex challenges in simple terms.

Strategically minded and creative, able to translate a vision into clear methodical plans.

Excellent problem solving and ability and knowledge to design, recommend and implement “best fit” sourcing strategies from multiple available options.

Please only apply for this role is you have proven experience and are able to commit to 2/3 days per week in our Reading office.

Next Steps

All applications should be submitted online, and I'll be back in touch to let you know the outcome. Should you need any further assistance please contact [e-mail]

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Not Applicable

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Purchasing

• Industries

  Telecommunications

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