The Category Manager is responsible for delivering commercial value through strategic sourcing, supplier management, spend analysis, contract support and category management across Network Plus operations. The role will work closely with operational, commercial and functional stakeholders to identify cost reduction opportunities, mitigate supply chain risk and ensure suppliers deliver value, quality and service performance aligned to business objectives.
The successful candidate will be commercially focused, highly analytical and confident managing both strategic and operational procurement activities. Experience within the utilities, infrastructure, civil engineering or related sectors is highly desirable.
Commercial & Category Management
- Develop and implement sourcing strategies across assigned spend categories.
- Lead competitive tendering exercises, supplier negotiations and contract renewals.
- Deliver measurable cost savings, cost avoidance and value improvement initiatives.
- Analyse spend data to identify consolidation, standardisation and commercial opportunities.
- Monitor market conditions, supplier trends and industry developments to support procurement decision making.
- Support category strategy development and continuous improvement initiatives.
Supplier Management
- Develop collaborative relationships with key suppliers.
- Monitor supplier performance against agreed service, quality and commercial KPIs.
- Support supplier performance reviews and improvement plans where required.
- Identify and mitigate supplier risks relating to financial stability, operational resilience and compliance.
- Support supplier onboarding and due diligence activities.
Analytics & Reporting
- Produce detailed spend analysis, supplier performance reports and procurement management information.
- Develop dashboards and insights to support strategic decision making.
- Use data to challenge existing practices and influence business stakeholders.
- Identify trends, risks and opportunities across procurement categories.
Contract & Risk Management
- Support contract negotiations, renewals and supplier governance activities.
- Ensure procurement activity complies with internal policies and delegated authorities.
- Assist in managing supplier compliance, contractual obligations and commercial disputes.
- Maintain accurate procurement records, contract registers and sourcing documentation.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Build strong relationships with operational, commercial, finance and functional teams.
- Act as a trusted commercial adviser to stakeholders across the business.
- Promote early procurement engagement to maximise value and minimise risk.
- Support project mobilisation and delivery by ensuring suppliers are engaged effectively.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Procurement savings delivered (£)
- Cost avoidance achieved (£)
- Supplier performance against agreed KPIs
- Tender completion and cycle times
- Supplier risk mitigation actions completed
- Stakeholder satisfaction
- Spend under contract (%)
Experience
- Procurement and buying experience.
- Proven track record delivering commercial savings and value improvements.
- Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
- Experience leading supplier negotiations and tender exercises.
- Experience managing contracts and supplier relationships.
- Advanced Excel and procurement reporting capabilities.
Knowledge
- Understanding of strategic sourcing methodologies.
- Knowledge of supplier evaluation, risk management and contract management.
- Strong commercial acumen and understanding of total cost of ownership principles.
- Understanding of procurement governance and compliance requirements.
Personal Attributes
- Commercially astute and results driven.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Confident communicator and negotiator.
- Able to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Highly organised and detail-oriented.
- Proactive, pragmatic and solutions focused.
- Strong team player with a collaborative approach.
Desirable Qualifications & Experience
- Experience within the utilities, energy, construction, infrastructure or civil engineering sectors.
- CIPS qualification (Level 4 or above) or working towards qualification.
- Experience using ERP and procurement systems (Business Central, Proactis or similar).
- Experience supporting supplier risk, compliance and ESG initiatives.
What Success Looks Like
- Delivers sustainable commercial savings and value creation.
- Provides meaningful spend insight and data-led recommendations.
- Supports operational delivery through effective supplier management.
- Maintains a compliant, resilient and commercially competitive supply base.
- Becomes a trusted procurement partner to stakeholders across the Network Plus business.
We offer a competitive salary based on experience along with a full benefits package.
Network Plus is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.
We are Armed Forces-friendly. We welcome applications from ex-Armed Forces personnel, reservists, armed forces veterans, cadet instructors and military spouses/partners.
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