Category Manager - Digital Technology - Indirect
Based: Manchester City Centre / Hybrid working
Salary: up to £60k dependent on experience + Bonus & Benefits
Leading Central Manchester Retail organisation have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Category manager to join their Purchasing Team focusing on Digital Technology.
As a business, they are continuing to build a motivated and thought leading Procurement team - the Category Manager will lead in the development of a culture where everyone is cost conscious, smart spenders and always looking for ways to save and challenge t=for the greater good of the business and it's future.
You'll engage colleagues and stakeholders alike and encourage them to think and work cross functionally to drive organisational efficiency.
The procurement function look after all INDIRECT expenditure for the group and a little that supports their buying also.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and continually review robust, forward looking plans in collaboration with Category Lead and business stakeholders to address business needs, supply market dynamics and technological advancements.
- Work with stakeholders to consider a variety of commercial models, providing constructive challenge to drive the most appropriate business outcome.
- Closely managing contracts and suppliers within remit to align to the Category plan, the Category Manager shares insights with the business and drives reviews; and acts where opportunities and risks appear.
- Delivering support to Supplier Relationship Managers and ensuring compliance with the organisational SRM policy; reporting accordingly to the Category lead on SRM KPIs.
- Collaborate with the Commercial Management team to determine contract KPI's & SLA's that are relevant and capable of effective measurement for supplier performance and relationship management; ensuring that tangible benefits can be tracked into the P&L.
- Contribute to the creation of category pipeline of initiatives to achieve or exceed savings targets.
- Lead negotiations with suppliers and partners to realise cost efficiency opportunities and negotiate commercial terms and contracts, closely aligned with Supplier Relationship Managers.
- Working with agility when priorities change; aligning with category plans and team members to deliver consistency in ways of working.
What does the ideal candidate look like?
- Experience working within an IT Category focused Purchasing role is a must
- Outstanding negotiation skills
- Excellent influencing and relationship building skills
- A strong communication style that you adapt to suit your audience
- A true team player willing to assist wherever needed
- Highly experienced across end to end, strategic procurement, including RFP. RFQ, RFI, Strategic Sourcing, Category Management and Supplier Relationship activities
- An action orientated, innovative approach that alongside great commercial acumen delivers results
In return, the business offer great scope for progression as well as the opportunity to work within one of the leading fashion retail brands.
or call us on 01204 326 444
