Average Category Manager salary in Leicestershire

We’re looking for a Senior Category Operations Manager to play a key strategic role within our Category Operations & SIOP function. This team brings together the end-to-end value chain, ensuring our global product and range strategies are delivered seamlessly across every region in which we operate. This role will be central to shaping how we work, driving efficiency, enabling great product delivery and making it easier for our teams across the world to succeed. In this position, you’ll lead the development, improvement and standardisation of operational processes across all product categories, from Frames and Ophthalmic Lenses to Audiology, Accessories, Eye Health and Smart Wear. You’ll identify opportunities to simplify, automate and enhance the way we operate, building scalable frameworks that keep us efficient while supporting our sustainability commitments. You will monitor performance, embed lean principles, and ensure we are continuously pushing for better ways of working. You’ll also take ownership of project delivery linked to category strategies and product launches. From establishing critical paths to coordinating cross-functional teams, you’ll make sure milestones are met, risks are managed and stakeholders stay informed. Your ability to bring people together and keep complex projects moving will be key to delivering success. Collaboration is at the heart of this role. You’ll be the person who connects the dots, troubleshoots challenges and helps teams find workable solutions. Staying ahead of internal and external change will be essential, ensuring potential impacts are recognised early and addressed proactively. We’re looking for someone who brings experience and understands the realities of product, project or operational roles. You’ll be naturally curious, comfortable challenging the status quo and confident in proposing improvements. Strong relationships matter to you, and you know how to build trust across cultures and functions. You’ll have a strategic mindset, exceptional attention to detail and the ability to balance big picture thinking with hands-on delivery. Above all, you’ll be self-motivated, organised and positive, contributing to a flexible and inclusive working culture.-picture thinking with hands-on delivery. Above all, you’ll be self-motivated, organised and positive, contributing to a flexible and inclusive working culture. If you’re passionate about operational excellence, excited by the chance to shape how a global organisation works and motivated by the impact great processes can have on customer experience, this is an opportunity to make a real difference. Apply Now!#LI-AW1

Procurement Category Manager – Waste Services (Interim)Location: Hybrid (1-2 days per week in-office, can consider 1 dayOrganisation: Leicester City CouncilPay Rate: Up to £500 per day (Umbrella/Inside IR35)Duration: Initial 3-monthsAbout the OpportunityA new opportunity has arisen for an experienced public sector procurement professional to lead on a significant programme of waste-related procurements for a major Local Authority.This role will take responsibility for large, complex tenders, including:A major waste collections tenderMultiple waste disposal and environmental services procurementsYou will work closely with internal stakeholders, legal colleagues, and service leads to ensure procurement activity is compliant with the Procurement Act 2023, aligned to Council policies, and delivered to a high professional standard.This position requires someone who can operate with autonomy, manage multiple concurrent projects, and deliver high-quality procurement documentation with accuracy and attention to detail.Key ResponsibilitiesLead, plan, and manage end-to-end procurement activity for complex waste and environmental service tenders.Ensure all procurement work is compliant with the Procurement Act 2023, local governance, and the Council’s policies and procedures.Develop tender documentation, specifications, evaluation models, and commercial structures.Use the Council’s e-tendering system to run procurements and manage supplier interactions.Provide professional procurement advice to service leads, project managers, and senior stakeholders.Work collaboratively across departments to ensure procurement activity supports operational and strategic objectives.Manage competing deadlines and multiple projects, maintaining quality and accuracy across all workstreams.Support the embedding of strong contract management and commercial governance.Ideal Experience & SkillsPublic sector procurement experience, ideally within a local authority.Demonstrable understanding of the Procurement Act 2023 and its practical application.Experience independently managing large and complex tenders from start to finish.Ability to quickly adapt to and work in line with Council policies, governance, and ways of working.Strong drafting ability for procurement documentation with excellent attention to detail.Experience using e-tendering systems Experience in waste or environmental services procurement Completion of TPP training (or willingness to complete within 2 weeks of starting).Why This Role?This is an excellent opportunity to lead on a portfolio of high-impact environmental service procurements that directly support the community. You’ll join a forward-thinking authority that values flexibility, professional expertise, and collaborative working.

Category ManagerLocation: Nuneaton (CV10 7RL)Contract Type: PermanentHours: Full time, 40 hours per week, Monday to FridaySalary: £55,000 per annum, plus car / car allowance, Benefits: 33 days holiday, pension, life assurance, employee assistance programme, wellbeing support, and flexible benefits schemeAbout the JobYou’ll have an important part to play supporting the Procurement Manager in leading and managing the procurement of indirect goods and services. You will provide a timely and cost-effective procurement category strategy and expertise to stakeholders across the Unipart portfolio of sites and clients. Here at Unipart we don’t just have a way of working, we have The Unipart Way. It allows everyone in our team to pursue their own personal and professional goals to a world class level, through Unipart's ‘Gate to Great’ training and development program.As a Category Manager you will promote the procurement platform whilst driving improvements in the stakeholder experience, working collaboratively with all functions to drive alignment of best procurement practice and maximise opportunities for Unipart.As part of your key responsibilities, you’ll:• Develop and implement commercial sourcing strategies for indirect services and goods delivering VFM and cost reduction across multiple categories, sectors and clients• Ensure suitable ongoing contractual coverage for key services and goods eliminating risk of supply• Review and negotiate contract terms, mitigating commercial exposure to Unipart• Manage approval through to signature for supplier onboarding and contract agreements• Manage key supplier relationships for long-term strategic partnering and benefit opportunities• Support internal stakeholders with key supplier performance reviews to help build business capability• Support commercial account teams through engagement and presentations to clients when required• Implement procurement policies, processes and procedures to help protect and advance the business• Provide an expert point of contact for internal senior stakeholders at all levels• Manage change by effective procurement leadership through utilisation of The Unipart Way principles • Deputise for the Procurement Manager when required• Provide market knowledge and expertise for delegated supplier spendAbout YouWe’d love you to have the following skills and experience, but please apply if you think you’d be able to perform well in this role!• Previous experience in multiple category sourcing, delivering significant savings and innovative solutions• Strong negotiation skills and an understanding of standard terms and conditions to mitigate legal and commercial risk.• Excellent relationship-building skills and the ability to confidently influence senior-level internal and external stakeholders.• Strong IT, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities. Highly organised, able to prioritise, and adaptable to a fast-paced environment.• A clear, concise, and engaging communicator at all levels, with a strong customer focus and collaborative approach• Awareness of ISO 20400 and experience in contributing to sustainability/Net Zero targets• MCIPS qualifiedOur recruitment and selection process has been developed to ensure that it is consistent, fair and provides equality of opportunity - all selection decisions are based solely on technical and behavioural competencies. We do not discriminate on the grounds of race, colour, or nationality, ethnic or national origins, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, disability, religion or belief, age or any other current or future protected characteristic as defined in the current Equality Act of England and Wales. As an organisation we also promote an environment which encourages diversity of characteristics and thought, where you feel included, safe and confident to be the best version of yourself and do your best work every day.You may also have experience in the following: Channel Sales Manager, Category Management, Supplier Management, Account Manager, Category Manager, Category Executive, Product Manager, Category Analyst, Purchasing Manager, Packaging, Demand Planner, Supply Planner, etc.REF-226 797