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 Greater London
An administrative area that was created in 1965, Greater London is often described as the region within the M25. It comprises the City of London, as well as the 32 boroughs, and is home to an array of businesses, making it an ideal choice for those seeking Category Manager opportunities.
For hundreds of years, London was known for its shipping and manufacturing, producing everything from textiles and food products, through to automobiles and ironwork.
In fact, a number of such facilities are still in operation today, such as the Tate & Lyle sugar refinery in Silvertown, Warburtons in Brimsdown and Nestle in Hayes. At the Ford factory in Dagenham, vehicle body panels and diesel engines are manufactured, while Fuller's Brewery operates out of Chiswick.
For the most part, however, London's economy is now based in the financial and service industries.
Around 70 per cent of the FTSE 100 are located within Greater London. In Canary Wharf, you'll find the headquarters of HSBC, Barclays, Citigroup and Reuters, while other big-name businesses in Greater London include the Guardian Newspaper, Balfour Beatty, GlaxoSmithKline, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Marks & Spencer, BP, British American Tobacco and Royal Dutch Shell.
What's more, transportation is a huge part of London's economy and day-to-day operation. Overground trains, underground trains, buses, coaches, taxis and trams all keep Londoners on the move, while the area is also home to a number of airports and the Port of London.
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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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