Interim - Category Manager - strategy

1st Executive; City Of London; On-site; GBP 77,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

1st Executive is seeking an Interim Category Manager to lead strategic category management across a diverse spend portfolio. Offices in Bristol and London with a Bristol site visit about once per week and stakeholder meetings as required.

The role focuses on developing category strategies, building strong stakeholder relationships, and delivering value-driven commercial outcomes in Defence-related spend. A single-stage Teams interview is anticipated.

Qualifications

• Strong general indirects category management experience.
• Strategic procurement mindset focused on value and impact.
• Ability to identify opportunities and drive commercial outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic category management activity across a range of categories.
• Develop and refresh category strategies aligned to organisational priorities.
• Build a strong understanding of stakeholder requirements and supplier markets.
• Identify opportunities for improved commercial outcomes and value.
• Conduct market analysis and develop actionable commercial insight.
• Work with senior stakeholders to prioritise category opportunities.
• Influence and challenge stakeholders constructively.
• Develop recommendations that can be transitioned to delivery teams for implementation.
• Support the adoption of category management best practice.
• Identify and manage commercial and supply chain risks.
• Build effective relationships across complex internal and external stakeholder groups.
• Categories may include a broad range of corporate, professional, infrastructure, FM, digital, equipment and services-related spend.

Skills

Strategic category management

Stakeholder engagement

Data interpretation

Consultative and collaborative

Self-starting mindset

Resilience and tenacity

Job description

Interim Category Manager

Contract: Initial 6 months, with significant likelihood of extensionRate: Up to £700 per day Inside IR35Location: Bristol or London preferredOffice requirement: Bristol approximately once per week, plus stakeholder meetings as required

The opportunity

A major new Category Management function is being developed creating an opportunity for experienced procurement professionals to play a key role in shaping the future of strategic category management across Defence. We are seeking an experienced Strategic Category Manager who can bring strategic thinking, strong stakeholder management and commercial expertise to a complex and high-profile environment. The wider function will support a significant and diverse spend portfolio, with category management designed to improve commercial outcomes, capability, resilience and value for money.

The role

As Interim Category Manager, you will:

• Lead strategic category management activity across a range of categories.
• Develop and refresh category strategies aligned to organisational priorities.
• Build a strong understanding of stakeholder requirements and supplier markets.
• Identify opportunities for improved commercial outcomes and value.
• Conduct market analysis and develop actionable commercial insight.
• Work with senior stakeholders to prioritise category opportunities.
• Influence and challenge stakeholders constructively.
• Develop recommendations that can be transitioned to delivery teams for implementation.
• Support the adoption of category management best practice.
• Identify and manage commercial and supply chain risks.
• Build effective relationships across complex internal and external stakeholder groups.
• Categories may include a broad range of corporate, professional, infrastructure, FM, digital, equipment and services-related spend, reflecting the diversity of the category landscape.

About you

We are looking for an experienced Category Manager with:

• Strong General Indirects category management experience.
• A strategic rather than purely transactional procurement mindset.
• Experience developing category strategies in complex organisations.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to influence senior leaders.
• The ability to interpret incomplete or complex data and reach practical conclusions.
• A consultative and collaborative approach.
• Resilience and tenacity.
• A self-starting mindset and positive attitude.
• SecurityCandidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain SC Security Clearance and meet the relevant national security and nationality eligibility requirements.

Interview process

A single-stage Teams interview is anticipated.