Category Manager

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Job description

Procurement Heads' Industrial Practice is working with a renowned energy provider which is seeking an experienced Category Manager to join their dynamic procurement team, working on some of the most innovative and impactful energy projects in the UK. This is a unique opportunity for an ambitious procurement professional to contribute to the energy sector's transformation by leading key categories within an organisation focused on sustainability and future-forward energy solutions.

Responsibilities:
As a Senior Category Manager, you will play a pivotal role in driving procurement strategies that support cutting-edge energy solutions. Your responsibilities will include:

• Strategic Business Partnering: Acting as a trusted partner to senior stakeholders, you will understand the business needs and engage with the supply market to open new, competitive channels.
• Shaping Sourcing Strategies: Define and implement sourcing strategies for high-profile categories such as Electric Vehicle networks, Low Carbon Heating, Solar PV, Highways Lighting, and large-scale energy projects like Wind and Battery Storage.
• Fostering Innovation: Collaborate with technical and business experts to identify opportunities for innovation, ensuring that procurement strategies align with our mission to deliver decentralised, green energy solutions.
• Market Expertise: Leverage your understanding of the supply market to mitigate risks, develop partnerships, and drive innovation across assigned categories.
• Leading Tender Processes: Manage the full end-to-end sourcing process, from demand analysis to supplier implementation, working closely with key stakeholders to achieve optimal outcomes.
• Driving Savings and Efficiency: Help identify and deliver on targets for cost savings and operational efficiencies, ensuring continuous improvement across your categories.
• Supporting Contract Management: Provide expert commercial, contractual, and vendor management advice to support risk mitigation and ensure corrective actions are implemented as needed.

Skills and Experience:
To be successful in this role, you will need:

• Proven Procurement Experience: Experience in procurement or relevant commercial roles. MCIPS qualification (or working towards it) is desirable but not essential.
• Boldness and Confidence: A strategic thinker who is not afraid to take calculated risks and push boundaries to achieve exceptional results.
• Effective Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders from senior executives to technical teams.
• Innovative Mindset: A digital-first approach with a passion for continuously improving processes and embracing new technologies.
• Customer Focus: A deep understanding of business and stakeholder needs, with a drive to deliver maximum value.
• Collaboration: Strong relationship-building skills with a proven ability to work cross-functionally and achieve shared goals.
• Proactivity and Accountability: A self-starter who takes ownership of their work and drives positive outcomes, while remaining curious and eager to learn.

Benefits:
Our award-winning benefits package includes:

• £50-60,000 per annum
• 26 days holiday + bank holidays
• Generous pension scheme
• Life cover
• Performance-based bonus
• Access to a wide range of flexible benefits designed to help you balance work and life, including tax and NI savings options.

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