Category Manager - Tools, Parts & PPE

Category Manager 
Berkshire
£58,000 P/A
Bonus: 5 - 10%
Personal Development fund (CIPS)
 
Are you an experienced Category Manager with a background in utilities, facilities management, or public sector procurement?

Are you looking to shape and implement strategy in a market leading utilities business?
 

The Role 

The Category Manager plays a pivotal role within the Commercial & Procurement function, reporting to the Business Partner. There are two positions available, each focusing on distinct and strategically important areas: Security – Overseeing procurement for site security services. Tools, Parts & PPE – Managing the sourcing and supply of operational tools, engineering parts, personal protective equipment, and related consumables. Both roles are responsible for creating and executing category strategies across portfolios of up to £20 million in annual spend. Each Category Manager will serve as the commercial expert for their category, providing market insight, driving value, managing supplier performance, and ensuring that category strategies are aligned with organisational priorities

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development and delivery of category plans specific to Security or Tools, Parts & PPE
• Act as the procurement subject matter expert for your category, advising stakeholders on market trends, innovations, risks, and opportunities
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define business needs and shape sourcing strategies accordingly
• Conduct sourcing events, competitive tenders, and negotiations to deliver value and reduce risk
• Manage supplier performance throughout the contract lifecycle, including in-life changes and risk mitigation
• Ensure category plans reflect internal needs, external market dynamics, and wider regulatory considerations
• Support cross-functional collaboration, sharing category knowledge and best practices across the Procurement team
• Champion continuous improvement and advocate for a centre-led procurement model

What we are are Looking for:

• Strong background in category management with experience in either Security services/systems or Tools, Parts & PPE (or a closely related category)
• Experience working in complex procurement environments with multiple stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to develop strategic category plans and deliver measurable commercial outcomes
• Strong negotiation skills with experience managing contracts up to £100 million in value
• Deep understanding of supply market dynamics and risk management practices
• Evidence of building constructive supplier relationships and influencing internal stakeholders

Competencies & Technical Skills:

• Strong analytical and market insight capabilities
• Proficiency in contract drafting and commercial risk assessment
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to lead through influence
• Skilled communicator with the ability to present complex ideas clearly and effectively
• Knowledge of responsible and ethical procurement practices
• Ability to coach/mentor others and support cross-team development
  If you’re ready to take on a career defining role where you can drive real impact we look forward to your cv / application. 

This role is suited to someone who is confident managing end-to-end procurement activities, comfortable navigating complexity, and committed to continuous improvement. Success will come through a combination of market awareness, good judgement, and the ability to build constructive working relationships across teams and with suppliers. It’s a position that provides scope to apply your procurement expertise in a meaningful way—improving outcomes, supporting governance, and helping shape a more resilient and efficient supply base.

If you’re ready to take on a career defining role where you can drive real impact we look forward to your cv / application.

For more information you can email Garry.Byfield@procurement-people.com