Category Manager - Indirect

JR United Kingdom; Reading; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the UK is seeking a Category Manager to act as the commercial expert for their assigned category. This role involves developing strategic plans, managing supplier relationships, and driving innovation to maximize value. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in strategic category management and strong negotiation skills, with a focus on delivering results in complex supply chain environments.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in strategic category management from strategy development to execution.
• Strong influencing and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Demonstrated success in managing complex supplier negotiations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Manage a portfolio of suppliers, ensuring performance expectations are exceeded.
• Lead the tender process and support suppliers in delivering innovation.

Skills

Strategic category management

Stakeholder engagement

Supplier negotiations

Complex supply chain understanding

Prioritisation skills

Job description

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As a Category Manager, you’ll act as the commercial expert for your assigned category, using deep market knowledge to shape and execute strategic plans. Your expertise will help drive innovation, maximise value, and ensure the client remains a leader in its commercial operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement comprehensive, end-to-end category strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Deliver detailed market insight and category expertise, including the identification and management of risks at the category level.
• Manage a portfolio of suppliers, ensuring performance expectations are not only met but exceeded throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Lead the end-to-end tender process, including the evaluation of competitive proposals for goods and services.
• Support suppliers in delivering innovation and added value.
• Provide accurate and timely updates on projects using appropriate reporting tools and systems.

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven experience in strategic category management from strategy development through to execution.
• Strong influencing and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to drive change both internally and externally.
• A proactive mindset with the confidence to challenge the status quo and identify opportunities for long-term improvement.
• Demonstrated success in managing complex supplier negotiations, with deal values up to £100 million.
• A good understanding of complex supply chain environments.
• Excellent prioritisation skills and the ability to manage complexity and risk effectively.