Senior Category Manager

at  Severn Trent

Joining our Procurement and Contract Management team here at Severn Trent is genuinely an exciting opportunity, as we embark on delivering our AMP8 ambitions.
This period is marked by significant growth and innovation, positioning our team at the forefront of strategic decision-making that will shape the future of the business over the next five years.
As we focus on enhancing our commercial strategies, you’ll be part of a dynamic environment where your contributions directly influence key projects and initiatives. With a commitment to sustainability and efficiency, our team is integral to driving value and ensuring that we meet the evolving needs of our customers and stakeholders.
This is not just a job; it’s a chance to be part of a transformative journey that will impact our communities and the environment positively. If you’re looking to make a meaningful difference while advancing your career, now is the perfect time to join us!

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

We’re looking for a Senior Category Manager to join our team on a 12 month fixed-term contract, where you’ll manage the full end to end delivery of a defined category
This role will include strategic sourcing and running regulated tender processes, where you’ll work to deliver a sustainable supply chain that ensures our external expenditure is effectively managed, delivering the lowest costs and highest standards.
You’ll be working with senior stakeholders across the business, so communication skills are key in this role and as a senior member of the team, you’ll be on hand to guide and support our Buyers and Category Managers as they look to progress in their careers.

Other key accountabilities include:

• Driving improvement in commercial and contract performance whilst managing supply chain risk
• Profile and research supply markets and suppliers to assess trends, opportunities and risks
• Develop and implement category strategies which fulfil business requirements against costs and performance, and recommend strategic sourcing options and implementation plans that ensure compliance with legislative requirements
• Responsible for supplier selection, managing the tender process and implementing contacts to meet and exceed Severn Trent requirements and to ensure best value is delivered through the life of the contract.
• Monitor the contracts implemented and put in place actions to maximise contract compliance
• Lead negotiations with sophisticated suppliers through proven negotiation tactics
• Ensure the timely delivery of Procurement projects which achieve targeted savings and drive a high value outcome for Severn Trent Water
• Identification and delivery of category cost saving opportunities

You’ll join our team with a strong commercial background, gained ideally within a regulated environment, utilities, or a large complex organisation.
It’s expected that you’ll have experience and knowledge of modern purchasing processes (e.g. managing tenders & contracts), alongside a good understanding of end-to-end category management, with a proven ability to develop and articulate category strategies.
We’re looking for a confident leader to drive change and continuous improvement across the team and organisation. To be successful you should have the ability to communicate effectively at all levels, with the skill to influence stakeholders and deliver messages in a direct, concise manner that gains buy-in.
It would be advantageous if you hold an appropriate professional qualification (e.g. CIPS).