Category Manager

Adecco; Windsor; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000

Job description

Category Manager
Daily Rate: 650 - 700 (inside IR35 via umbrella)
Contract Length: 6 Months
Location: Windsor (Hybrid Working Available 1 - 2 days pw)

About the Role:
Our client is seeking a highly skilled and strategic Category Manager to develop and execute Category Strategies for Supply Chain solutions across various business units. This role is crucial for aligning with senior internal stakeholders and engaging with large strategic external suppliers to drive procurement projects that yield optimal commercial outcomes. You will play a pivotal role in building and maintaining a significant external profile.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with business stakeholders to create a procurement activity wave plan that considers new business requirements, strategy, emerging risks, and expiring contracts.
• Utilise tools such as Porter's Five Forces and Kraljic to analyse market dynamics and cost drivers.
• Develop go-to-market strategies in partnership with business stakeholders.
• Engage and influence stakeholders at all levels to maximise the Category Strategy's impact.
• Lead and execute complex high-value tenders aligned with the Category Strategy.
• Conduct commercial negotiations for intricate deals while managing the diverse demands of multiple stakeholders.
• Oversee contract drafting and negotiation alongside the appropriate legal teams.
• Enhance Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) activities in accordance with the client's SRM framework.
• Project manage procurement initiatives, including risk management and governance processes.
• Guide and mentor category specialists in support of the business and wider group categories.
• Optimise the supplier base within the category, including buying channels and playbooks for streamlined stakeholder purchasing.
• Establish strong relationships, positioning yourself as a key business partner to stakeholders.
• Collaborate across the Procurement Function to deliver an exceptional experience for all stakeholders.

Competencies and Qualifications:

• Proven ability to translate stakeholder requirements and market dynamics into clear category strategies.
• Strong strategic thinking with the capacity to articulate how the category strategy meets business needs.
• In-depth knowledge of navigating market dynamics and commercial negotiation.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, including active listening and influencing abilities.
• Experience managing strategic suppliers to foster win/win initiatives.
• Proficient in project management and team leadership.
• Degree educated or equivalent (e.g., MCIPS) with relevant work experience.

Work Experience:

• Significant Direct Procurement experience in Supply Chain.
• Extensive experience in end-to-end Category Management activities for large, complex organisations.
• A track record of innovative thinking to drive value for the business.
• Proven ability to influence across all organisational levels and build trust within large organisations.
• Experience leading Category Management initiatives for companies with annual spending exceeding 1bn.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong negotiation capabilities.
• Demonstrated internal customer influence and change management skills.
• Leadership qualities, including enthusiasm, decisiveness, and strategic thinking.

If you possess the required skills and experience and are ready to make a significant impact, we encourage you to apply for the Category Manager position today!

Adecco is a disability-confident employer. It is important to us that we run an inclusive and accessible recruitment process to support candidates of all backgrounds and all abilities to apply. Adecco is committed to building a supportive environment for you to explore the next steps in your career. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.