Category Manager
Berkshire
£58,000 P/A
Bonus: 5 - 10%
Personal Development fund (CIPS)
Are you an experienced Category Manager with a background in utilities, facilities management, or public sector procurement?
Are you looking to shape and implement strategy in a market-leading utilities business?
The Role
The Category Manager plays a pivotal role within the Commercial & Procurement function, reporting to the Business Partner. There are two positions available, each focusing on distinct and strategically important areas: Security – Overseeing procurement for site security services. Tools, Parts & PPE – Managing the sourcing and supply of operational tools, engineering parts, personal protective equipment, and related consumables. Both roles are responsible for creating and executing category strategies across portfolios of up to £20 million in annual spend. Each Category Manager will serve as the commercial expert for their category, providing market insight, driving value, managing supplier performance, and ensuring that category strategies are aligned with organisational priorities.
Key Responsibilities
1. Lead the strategic development and delivery of category plans specific to Security or Tools, Parts & PPE
2. Act as the procurement subject matter expert for your category, advising stakeholders on market trends, innovations, risks, and opportunities
3. Collaborate with stakeholders to define business needs and shape sourcing strategies accordingly
4. Conduct sourcing events, competitive tenders, and negotiations to deliver value and reduce risk
5. Manage supplier performance throughout the contract lifecycle, including in-life changes and risk mitigation
6. Ensure category plans reflect internal needs, external market dynamics, and wider regulatory considerations
7. Support cross-functional collaboration, sharing category knowledge and best practices across the Procurement team
8. Champion continuous improvement and advocate for a centre-led procurement model
What we are looking for:
* Strong background in category management with experience in either Security services/systems or Tools, Parts & PPE (or a closely related category)
* Experience working in complex procurement environments with multiple stakeholders
* Demonstrated ability to develop strategic category plans and deliver measurable commercial outcomes
* Strong negotiation skills with experience managing contracts up to £100 million in value
* Deep understanding of supply market dynamics and risk management practices
* Evidence of building constructive supplier relationships and influencing internal stakeholders
Competencies & Technical Skills:
* Strong analytical and market insight capabilities
* Proficiency in contract drafting and commercial risk assessment
* Collaborative mindset with the ability to lead through influence
* Skilled communicator with the ability to present complex ideas clearly and effectively
* Knowledge of responsible and ethical procurement practices
* Ability to coach/mentor others and support cross-team development
If you’re ready to take on a career-defining role where you can drive real impact, we look forward to your CV/application.
This role is suited to someone confident in managing end-to-end procurement activities, comfortable navigating complexity, and committed to continuous improvement. Success will come through market awareness, good judgment, and the ability to build constructive relationships across teams and with suppliers. It offers scope to apply procurement expertise meaningfully—improving outcomes, supporting governance, and shaping a resilient, efficient supply base.
If you’re ready to take on this career-defining role, we look forward to your application.
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