Category Manager - North West England (Hybrid)

My client is a leading retailer based in North West England. The Purchasing and Procurement department moves faster than most, as they make sure their business and customers have what they need when they need it. As the Category Manager, you will build strong relationships with suppliers, stores, depots and manufacturing sites. You will be someone who loves working at pace in a supportive, exciting, and ever-evolving environment and who wants progression.

Main Responsibilities:

• Development and delivery of sourcing and contracting strategies across the category, in line with objectives, achieved through a full mapping of the spend category and the associated market
• Ensuring detailed, forward-looking 3 year category plans are agreed with stakeholders, aligned to the wider business objectives, regularly reviewed based on changing business needs and supply markets. achieved through engagement with the market to seek best supply options and the ability to present these clearly back to the internal stakeholder with a clear and reasoned recommendation.
• Supporting stakeholders with supplier relationship strategies, supporting strategic reviews and developing joint plans with stakeholders
• Working to limit non-contractual spend through the stakeholder base, driving corrective action where needed, ensuring best practice through continued training and support
• Positively influence policy thinking and drive continuous improvement across the category
• Demonstrate a positive attitude and inspire confidence in others around you when faced with uncertainty and change

This is a hybrid role operating over a four-day working week!

Experience:

• Experience in implementing category management best practices, SRM techniques and sourcing strategies through previous work experience
• Knowledge of relevant markets and trends,
• Knowledge of relevant forms of contract to best procure goods and services
• Procurement technical skills including excellent commercialism
• Use of digital Enablers (eProc and digital Proc)
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Legal & CSR awareness
• Project Management skill

Desirable:

• Degree qualified in a business subject area or equivalent procurement / supply chain accreditations (MCIPS)
• Leadership experience

If the Category Manager position is of interest to you, please either apply directly to this advert, or send your resume and availability to: tom.atkin@1st-executive.com