Role Overview
The Category Manager for IT & Marketing will act as a business partner to senior stakeholders, delivering expert procurement advice, guidance, and support. The role involves developing and implementing supply chain strategies that align with organizational goals, ensuring they are suitable and deliver tangible benefits and value.
Key Responsibilities
Procurement Strategy Implementation:
* Drive the execution and continuous review of the procurement strategy with key stakeholders to support organizational objectives.
Supplier Relationship Management:
* Establish and maintain relationships with suppliers to support strategic objectives, foster innovation, and promote continual improvement and best practices.
Value Optimization and Risk Management:
* Manage the organization’s third-party spending within the category, ensuring optimal value and minimized risk.
Stakeholder Education:
* Promote best procurement practices to maximize benefits and ensure compliance throughout the organization.
Financial Scope
* Responsible for managing an addressable third-party spend of approximately £20 million, including involvement in all major procurement activities.
Direct Reports
* This role does not have any direct reports.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications:
* Degree-level education or equivalent.
* CIPS qualification or equivalent, or demonstrable experience in procurement and strategic sourcing roles.
Desirable Qualifications:
* Experience in the health and social care sector.
Skills and Experience
Required Experience:
* Proven end-to-end category management experience, including strategy development, tendering, commercial and contract negotiations, and supplier relationship management.
* Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
* Excellent analytical and reporting abilities.
Knowledge Requirements:
* Understanding of category management principles, best procurement practices, and change management.
* Familiarity with key commercial contract risks and opportunities.
Specific Skills:
* Ability to identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities with stakeholders and suppliers.
* Skill in balancing priorities across financial, performance, risk, and safety dimensions.
* Collaborative approach with a willingness to constructively challenge when necessary.
* Strong communication and presentation skills.
* Timely and effective decision-making abilities.
Interpersonal Skills:
* Self-motivated, capable of working independently.
* Team-oriented, fostering collaboration and teamwork.
* High level of personal and professional credibility at all levels.
* Skilled at building and maintaining trusting internal and external relationships.
* Strong influencing skills and ability to manage workloads effectively.