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 Ipswich
Situated in the county of Suffolk, Ipswich is a lovely place, located on the River Orwell. It's a thriving community, with a stunning waterfront and many historic buildings. Plus there are a number of opportunities for those seeking Category Manager vacancies.
As one of England's oldest towns, Ipswich has a history that dates back to the Roman Empire when a fort was built in the vicinity.
The town really began to form, however, during the Anglo-Saxon period and during the seventh and eighth centuries it was an important trading port with Scandinavia and the rest of Europe. The nearby Sutton Hoo archaeological site has been an extremely important place for those interested in studying the life and culture of ancient Britons from this period.
Ipswich was granted its first charter in 1200 and for the next four hundred years, it carried on as a market town and trading hub. During the 1600s it was also a common port for those boarding ships and sailing to the New World.
During the Industrial Revolution and well into the 20th century, Ipswich was known for agricultural manufacturing, with enterprises ranging from sugar beet processing through to motorised lawnmower production.
Today, many of the industrial buildings have been converted to offices and flats, although the port still sees millions of tonnes of cargo pass through every year.
Much of the local economy is now based in the service sector and IT. Adastral Park is a massive business park, home to BT's global innovation and development centre, while other tech companies with offices in the area include Fujitsu, Ericsson, Cisco, O2 and Nokia Siemens.
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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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