Category Management Group Lead

Job Description

Category Management Group LeadHere at National Highways, we have an exciting opportunity for a Category Management Group Lead to join our team.Your role will be to lead Category Management best practice by shaping and implementing the strategy for steel structures across the organisation and throughout the supply chain for the achievement of the strategic aims contributing to the National Highwaysimperatives of Safety, Delivery and Customer.This is a national role but can be flexibly based in any of the following office locations: Birmingham, Leeds, Guildford, Bedford, Bristol and Manchester with a blend of office/site/home working.What youll be leading on

• Developing Category Strategies which maximise customer value for money, including the creation of detailed plans to engage with internal stakeholders and external suppliers in order to drive value and efficiencies as well as improved supplier performance.
• Delivering robust and comprehensive category strategy implementation plans across the organisation which achieves strategic objectives and cost reduction targets against addressable spend.
• Leading the delivery of Net Zero Carbon Plans to support the achievement of organisational targets within maintenance and construction as well as aligning to National Highways Social Value strategy.
• Applying best practice to deliver strategic outcomes and effectively manage governance and risk (strategic risks including supplier performance and resilience).
• Actively encouraging and promoting the adoption of innovation within assigned category area, by providing direction to the organisation in identifying opportunities that contribute to strategic objectives.
• Working collaboratively across the Commercial and Procurement directorate as well as the wider organisation to facilitate category strategy implementation via cross-functional working and Supplier Community Groups.
• Proactively engaging with the wider Strategic Procurement team and supporting critical decision making as part of the short, medium and long-term strategy of the division.
• Acting as a point of escalation within the category area to resolve any issues within strategic procurement.

To be successful

• Procurement and Category Management specific background, with experience of commercial, procurement and supplier relationship management to implement and embed strategic approach.
• Evidence a proven track-record in leading and delivering cost reduction savings and efficiencies within an organisation.
• Strong stakeholder communication and influencing skills which can be applied at all levels.
• Leverage knowledge of procurement operations and develop solutions to complex issues.
• Experience of delivering improved safety and performance.
• Hold significant experience of leading and undertaking full procurement lifecycles.
• Show an ability to adjust readily to new situations while effectively dealing with ambiguity, challenges and uncertainty.
• Previous experience of working in a regulated environment, Highways or Construction industry is desirable but not essential.
• Preferred knowledge of steel structures (Gantries and Structural Steel Works) is desirable but not essential.
• Chartered Institute of Procurement and supply (CIPS) is desirable but not essential.

About UsWhy you should join usAt National Highways we believe in a connected country. We are passionate about creating a culture where colleagues feel connected, included and enjoy greater wellbeing to achieve this. Were proud that as an organisation we are continually striving to dobetter and actively encourage and support our colleagues to do the same with their careers.So, if you put safety first, take ownership of your work, show passion for what you do, work effectively in a team, and demonstrate integrity in how you do it - then youll be a great fit for our organisation.Our benefits package

• Our total reward package includes basic salary, the potential for a performance related bonus
• Contributory pension scheme with employer contribution of up to 10%
• Annual Leave starting at 26 days (plus Bank Holidays) rising by 1 day each year up to 31 days (plus Bank Holidays)
• Flexible hours and blended working between base location/home
• Life assurance of 4 times annual salary
• Health and wellbeing support, including an Employee Assistance Programme, available 24/7 365 days and network of mental health first aiders. Plus access to a wellbeing app to enhance your self-care 24/7, Occupational health service and flu vaccines
• A cycle to work scheme for the purchase of a bicycle and equipment for healthy, low carbon travel
• Significant investment in your career development, through learning and development, talent management, coaching, mentoring and on job experience

And we are

• Family friendly with enhanced maternity leave and pay, paternity leave (15 days), shared parental leave, adoption leave. Plus access to financial support for holiday play schemes and paid special leave (up to 5 days pa), eg for caring responsibilities
• Money friendly with access to a discounts platform including over 3000 discounts for supermarkets, eating out, leisure, holidays. Alongside a financial wellbeing programme
• Community friendly - offering paid leave to volunteer, 3 days basic/year plus an extra 3 days to support the national Covid effort

If you are successful, it is key to know all offers of employment are subject to satisfactory completion of our pre-employment checks which include:

• Right to work check
• 3 year employment history references
• DBS criminal record check
• Social media and adverse journalism check
• Driving licence check (if applicable)
• Fit to work questionnaire (for all), followed by a medical check (if applicable)

And finallyWe reserve the right to close before the advertisement expires