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 Doncaster
Doncaster has a colourful history that dates back at least as far as the Romans, when it was served by an important road between London and the North. Nowadays the South Yorkshire town remains a well connected place, with the M18 an A1(M) passing the town and excellent rail connections to Sheffield an Leeds to the west and the docks of Hull to the east. The canals helped bring wealth to the town, particularly when vast coal seams were discovered nearby and the town boomed. There is also Robin Hood International Airport on the doorstep, although it is probably more famous for a mischievous tweet than for its global aviation repute!
Although coal mining has largely ended in the area, it is one of the few places that still has active mines. During the Industrial Revolution the place was a hotbed of industry, with steel manufacture, glassmaking, railway engineering and chemical manufacturing going on. In the 1930s tractors started being made in the town by International Harvester. This tradition survived right up until 2007 after several buy-outs and mergers.
Anyone looking for Category Manager work in Doncaster should be greeted by a seam of opportunities as rich as the coal’s. As well as the airport and road links, it is home to Doncaster International Railport, a vast railway complex that distributes goods nationally and ultimately internationally. Many companies have recognised this sweet spot and set up distribution centres and warehousing facilities in the area. Names include B&Q, DFS, Next, Faberge, Tesco, IKEA, Exel and Amazon.
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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.
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