Category Manager

Location: Hybrid – Office-based 2-3 days per week – Central ReadingSalary: Up to £65k (depending on experience) + performance-related bonus + comprehensive benefits packageContract Type: Permanent, Full-Time

The Role

This is a highly visible and strategic procurement role, responsible for developing and implementing category strategies across key areas such as Indirect, Connectivity, Civils, Network Hardware, Software, and Services. Reporting to the Head of Procurement, you will play a crucial role in shaping procurement processes, ensuring best-in-class sourcing strategies, and delivering significant commercial value.

As part of a developing procurement function, this role will contribute to strategic decision-making, supplier relationship management (SRM), and contract negotiations while working closely with senior stakeholders to drive innovation and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain category strategies aligned with business goals.
• Act as a business partner to key stakeholders, influencing procurement decision-making.
• Support the business in achieving optimal commercial outcomes, considering risk, supply market dynamics, and competitive strategies.
• Conduct market analysis to provide insights that inform investment decisions and business cases.
• Lead procurement initiatives, utilizing tools such as e-Procurement, e-auctions, and strategic sourcing.
• Manage complex commercial negotiations, working alongside Finance and Legal teams to mitigate risk.
• Support Supplier Relationship Management (SRM), ensuring strong supplier partnerships and performance.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, corporate, and sustainability policies.

What You’ll Need

• Telecommunications industry experience is essential.
• Strong understanding of contract law, category management, negotiation, and strategic sourcing.
• Proven ability to translate business needs into commercial and legal requirements.
• Experience managing end-to-end procurement projects and supplier strategies.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
• A strategic mindset, capable of driving innovation and efficiency in procurement processes.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to design and implement best-fit sourcing strategies.

This is an exciting opportunity to drive procurement transformation in a growing and evolving function. If you have the required telecoms experience and are available to work 2-3 days per week in Reading, then we'd welcome your application.