Procurement Category Manager

Job Description

Jackson Hogg Supply Chain division are partnering on an exclusive basis with Northumbrian Water Group on the appointment of a Procurement Category Manager to manage the procurement needs for the Smart Mater Programme.This role will initially be offered on a 2 year fixed term contract with the office base in Washington. The team are largely working from home with travel to site potentially 1 day per week for this position.The salary on offer is up to £56,000 DOE with an excellent benefits package.Working hours are Monday to Friday 09:00-17:00 but other working patterns can be accomodated.The Role:

• Leadership and accountability for all procurement led activity within the Smart Programme.
• Engage with areas of the business to identify demand requirements, forecasts in line with evolving business priorities and objectives and challenge demand or scope when applicable.
• Maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders on a range of procurement related activities and objectives.
• Develop and maintain a strategic category strategy.
• Identify, develop and implement opportunities for cost savings and value creation in collaboration with stakeholders and supply chain.
• Undertake sourcing execution and negotiation on tenders and contracts applicable to the category areas of responsibility.
• Maintain relationships with strategic suppliers (develop joint account plans, lead performance reviews, manage risks and disputes) and collaborate with strategic suppliers to identify innovation and add value to the business.
• Market knowledge - keep informed on industry trends, technology developments, supplier entrants.
• Compliance with key legislation and internal polices to reduce risks to the business

Experience RequiredEssential

• Extensive end to end procurement experience, including complex contracts and supplier framework agreements.
• Experience in category development and planning,
• Developing and executing category and sourcing strategies.
• Knowledge of procurement operations and governance frameworks.
• Knowledge of wide array of procurement techniques and sourcing levers.
• Track record of achievements in delivering contract reductions and enhancements.
• Proven experience of stakeholder identification, relationship building and influencing across a diverse range of subject matter experts.

Useful

• Experience in Smart metering
• Experience in digital sourcing solutions.
• Knowledge of various forms of contracts with experience in drafting schedules and issuing contracts as a direct output from tender activity.

Skills RequiredEssential

• Degree and/or applicable procurement experience.

Useful

• MCIPS qualified (working towards).
• Experience in regulated utilities or public sector procurement (OJEU and Utilities Contract Regulations).

Competencies Required

• Demonstrable commercial acumen and results focus.
• Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills at all levels in a multi-site organisation.
• Demonstrable level of negotiation and dispute resolution skills.
• Demonstrable level of stakeholder engagement and collaborative working methods.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines and under pressure.
• Project management skills.