Category Lead jobs
In larger procurement operations, the sourced products and materials will be divided into categories so that they can undergo more focused purchasing, negotiating and analysis. Maintaining this focus allows the teams dealing with the products to attain a higher level of expertise and sensitivity to the markets in which they are dealing, which in turn should lead to better negotiating positions and lower prices paid.
The category lead’s main role will be to ensure the aims are fulfilled costs are minimised and profits maximised. He or she might work directly under a category manager or director, and the level of focus will depend on the size of the operation, the amounts purchased, the diversity, seasonality and availability of the sourced materials and the nature of the business as a whole. The lead might not be involved in any face-to-face procurement, but could well have a strictly overseeing role with regard to the team. Although some responsibility will lie with the procurement team members, the category lead will be the conduit between them and the senior management, so strategic decisions will have to be delivered precisely to them, and in turn, reported results and forecasts will need to flow upwards.
Category leads will often work alongside dedicated category analysts who will be deeply involved with the financial side of the operation, while the category lead gets on with running the department. However sometimes, analytical understanding and a degree of executive power might be granted to the lead.
The skills required
As with any middle management role, great communications skills will stand the category lead in good stead. The ability to deliver strategic demands from the board to the procurement team, each of whom might have different specialisations, will be key to the success of the procurement operation. Dealing with those higher up the hierarchy will be just as crucial, however, and an ability to honestly and clearly communicate problems as well as successes will help keep the department running harmoniously and profitably.
Where analytical skills are required, there will be a vital requirement for IT aptitude, with spreadsheeting, word processing and digital communications solutions being the tools of the trade. The ability to gather information both by word of mouth from the procurement team and from the digital records of bidding and purchasing processes, and to put the data to good use, will be a key skill of the procurement category lead.
Category Lead Jobs in the East Midlands
Comprising counties like Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire, the East Midlands is a wonderful choice for those seeking Category Lead vacancies.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, many scientific discoveries were made in the East Midlands. It was a pivotal place for the Industrial Revolution, being home to what many call the first modern factory - John Smedley's textile production facility at Lea Bridge, which was opened in 1794.
Some of the earliest military tanks were manufactured in Lincoln, while jet engines were also developed in the region - with the first jet aircraft flying from RAF Cranwell in 1941.
Meanwhile, Derby was home to a Rolls-Royce factory that produced Merlin aero-engines until 1950, as well as a railway works. The Corby Steelworks in Northamptonshire was one of the largest facilities of its type in the middle of the 20th century.
Today, manufacturing is still a major part of the economy of the East Midlands. A number of big-name firms operate in the region, including Rolls-Royce, Siemens, Triumph Motorcycles, Toyota, Caterpillar and LaFarge Aggregates. There's also Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains, which builds Formula One engines in Brixworth.
What's more, Bombardier Transportation in Derby produces new rolling stock for London Underground, and is the only remaining train manufacturer in the UK - it also builds Turbo Star and ElectroStar overground units.
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Cast UK’s procurement opportunities
As a recruitment consultancy, Cast UK were founded by specialists in logistics, supply chain and procurement, 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 logistics, we’d be delighted to hear from you. 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 if you’re looking for a job in logistics. 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.
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Category Lead for your business or find you a job as a Category Lead then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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