Category manager

Purpose: - The purpose of the role is to deliver a Cost Base Reduction (CBR) committed to the Authority through the development of a cost-effective, commercially-driven supply base which meets the requirements for governance and availability. The CBR must be achieved whilst also maintaining full product availability for the Ministry of Defence. Main Duties Responsibilities: - Capture and analyse data on the existing supply chain, the commercial markets and potential new entrants to the market. - Based on the data analysis, create and maintain strategy plans, working with all stakeholders to deliver the CBR and availability requirements to develop and maintain both Procurement and Category Strategies. - Agree Procurement Strategies cross-functionally and present Strategy slide packs to the Contract Approval Board for approval - Own and maintain the market facing Schedule of Requirement for each tender/contract/range ensuring that data owned by other functions within the document is maintained and updated as necessary. - Contribute all Category functional input to Tender Publication and Contract Award Contract Approvals Boards led by the Acquisition and Contract Management Team. - Identify and enact Supplier Development opportunities that add value to the Authority, Supplier and Team Leidos Support Chain and which drive out cost. - Hold specific commodity expertise and manage categories that are key to their strengths. - Participate in routine cross-functional efforts within CSS. - Collaborate with all stakeholders for data gathering and analysis to update the Category Strategy - Contribute to the evaluation of tenders. - Responsible for creating document packs for their Categories in conjunction with all Stakeholders. - Identify areas in which improvements could drive out cost. - Implement continual improvement tasks with suppliers to implement best practises, best value and lower costs. - Tracking and reporting progress against Cost Base Reduction (CBR). - Identifying suppliers with the best capability to satisfy customer requirements. - Collaborating with suppliers through direct engagement to clearly communicate customer requirements and understand supplier constraints compared with customer requirements, to contract for the best possible result from suppliers and ensure customer satisfaction. - Assuring a disciplined approach for visibility of the right supplier performance metrics to optimise the support chain. - Identify additional opportunities and actively develop mutually profitable relationships with suppliers - Participate in every review of the Supplier Scorecards so as to nurture our supplier relationships. - Support Strategic Supplier negotiations Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications and Experience: - The ideal candidate will have experience in a relevant Purchasing / Supply Chain environment and be educated to HND / Degree Level or equivalent in a relevant procurement or supply chain subject. - Certified to MCIPS level or broad equivalent or be working towards achieving this certification. - Proven ability to persuade, influence and negotiate with internal and external stakeholders. - Excellent Communicator at all Levels across all Media. - Good Understanding of Supply Chain Management and Procurement, including Best Practise Purchasing and Sourcing Tools and Techniques. The successful candidate will be required go through a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) Clearance. In return for your hard work, we offer excellent career progression opportunities and a professional environment where you can acquire, use, and continue developing your skills. Your package will include: * Competitive Salary and pension scheme with life assurance * 25 Days Holiday (plus 8 statutory Bank Holidays) * Holiday buy-back scheme (5 additional days available) * Employee Assistance Programme supporting wellness with immediate access to: 1. GP consultation and second opinions 2. Mental health support 3. Financial and Legal support 4. Wellbeing and healthy living support * Employee referral scheme with financial reward * Cycle to work scheme * Professional Membership and Study Sponsorship * Pass scheme (GBP100 to undertake training of your choice) At TVS SCS we encourage and support our employees to realise their potential. They are empowered to take initiative and achieve high impact results that really make a difference to our business and our customers. If you require any adjustments to allow you take a full and active part in the selection process, please notify us as part of your application. Please note TVS Supply Chain Solutions is an Equal Opportunities Employer. TVS have signed the Armed Forces covenant and are a forces friendly employer