Category Manager jobs
The category manager will be responsible for overseeing the procurement of his or her category of goods. As well as maintaining the smooth running of the process, the manager will also need to be able to identify savings and efficiencies in the system, both from actual trading figures and from forecasts, the commission of which the manager will be in charge of, usually with the help of a team of analysts.
The manager could well have a good deal of independence when it comes to dealing with his or her category. Senior management will have come up with targets and it will be down to the individual managers to use their procurement skills and knowledge of the sector to meet those targets without impacting on the efficient running of the company’s operations.
Since procurement is an activity that takes place between, rather than within, companies, the procurement manager will also need to form excellent relationships with the suppliers. He or she must keep constant lines of communication open with suppliers to inform them of expected fluctuations in demand and to listen to any concerns they have that demands cannot be met, whether or not it is their fault. By knowing the suppliers’ businesses well (which will often require at least some contact with their suppliers), more precise plans can be made and anticipated shortfalls of supply can be mitigated by seeking secondary suppliers. A great deal of trust and understanding needs to exist between the two parties if such openness is to succeed, although good quality contracting skills will also help matters.
The skills required
Interpersonal skills are the mainstay of any management role, but procurement category managers have a particularly important need, as they will be dealing not only with people from their own company, but also those from the suppliers. Although both companies’ fortunes may well be bound by each other’s success, being able to engender trust and communication is a key trait to possess. Negotiation skills will also be required.
Many employers will request that applicants are full members of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, the recognised professional body overseeing procurement. Some will assist successful applicants with becoming full members.
Being full up to speed with procurement software will be a requirement, but aptitude with general office solutions will be essential for reporting and communication to all parties, internal and external.
Category Manager Jobs in Cambridgeshire
Also known as the County of Cambridge, Cambridgeshire is an English county that shares a border with Lincolnshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffollk. It's a great spot for those seeking Category Manager vacancies.
Historically an agricultural community, in the 11th century, the region's economy relied mainly on wheat production, malt, honey and fishing. During the 1300s, there was a strong wool trade and Cambridgeshire's cloth industry began to grow.
The most famous place in the county is Cambridge University. It was formed in 1209 and is one of the world's oldest universities. It regularly ranks among the best institutions in the country and the world and the institution's list of notable alumni and academics includes royalty, prime ministers, scientists, authors, actors and comedians.
These days, Cambridgeshire is a centre for the development of technology, thanks in part to the Cambridge Science Park, which was an initiative of Trinity College and offered a helping-hand to start-up companies. Indeed, the region has since become known as Silicon Fen - a play on California's Silicon Valley - and just some of the companies that were started here include ARM, CSR, AVEVA and Autonomy Corporation.
Other well-known companies based in Cambridgeshire include British Sugar, Gale's, home shopping channel Ideal World and Perkins Engines. What's more, Debenhams and Tesco both operate large distribution centres in Peterborough.
Popular locations
Cast UK’s procurement opportunities
If you’re looking for a job in procurement, whether you’re relocating for personal reasons or are simply looking for more job fulfilment, there could well be an employer who’s looking for the skills you have, so please get in touch with Cast UK. At any given time, we have jobs all over the UK, so wherever you live, or plan to live, we are well placed to find work that suits your skills.
We were founded by specialists in the logistics, supply chain and procurement trade, and our consultants are also drawn from these backgrounds, so we know what employers and candidates are looking for. Employers often approach us to find managerial and executive candidates, so if you’re in procurement, supply chain or logistics, we’d be delighted to hear from you.
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Category Manager for your business or find you a job as a Category Manager then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
Contact us