Average Category Manager salary in Warwick

Category Manager Location: Flexible UK Location | Hybrid (2 days WFH / 3 days on-site or travel)Pay Rate: £650 per day via umbrella (Inside IR35)Contract Length: 6-month contract (Possible extension)The OpportunityWe're supporting a leading organisation in the energy and infrastructure sector to recruit a Category Manager - Directs to play a key role in a critical metering programme.This is a fantastic opportunity to lead high-value, strategically important procurement activity, working closely with a specialist metering business unit undergoing ongoing transformation. You'll have real ownership of sourcing strategy, supplier engagement, and commercial outcomes - directly influencing how a vital operational area evolves.If you enjoy working at pace, engaging senior stakeholders, and driving value through procurement excellence, this role offers strong visibility and impact.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the end-to-end sourcing lifecycle for metering-related categories, including strategy development, tendering, evaluation, negotiation and contract awardDevelop and deliver category strategies aligned to business objectives and evolving metering requirementsManage multiple tender events and competitive sourcing processes, ensuring timely delivery and strong commercial outcomesBuild strong partnerships with the metering business unit, ensuring alignment to operational needs and future demandUndertake market analysis and supplier engagement to identify opportunities, mitigate risks and improve supplier performanceDrive supplier relationship management initiatives to deliver continuous value, innovation and performance improvementsCollaborate with internal procurement teams and stakeholders to ensure governance, compliance and best practiceSupport and develop junior team members, providing coaching and guidance where requiredKey Skills & ExperienceEssentialProven experience in strategic sourcing or procurement, ideally within infrastructure, utilities or complex operational environmentsStrong track record of delivering tender events, negotiations and measurable commercial outcomesExperience working with technical or operational categories (metering, engineering, equipment or similar preferred)Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and build credibility across business functionsStrong commercial acumen, including contractual understanding and supplier management expertiseAbility to manage multiple projects and priorities, delivering to deadlines in a fast-paced environmentExperience in category strategy development and market analysisPrevious experience managing or mentoring team members is advantageousDesirable:Degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance or similar)MCIPS or working towards professional procurement accreditationPlease note: Due to the high volume of applications, only successful candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from us within 48 hours, unfortunately, your application has not been successful on this occasion. However, we may retain your details for any future suitable vacancies and contact you accordingly.Pontoon is an employment consultancy. We put expertise, energy, and enthusiasm into improving everyone's chance of being part of the workplace. We respect and appreciate people of all ethnicities, generations, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, and more. We do this by showcasing their talents, skills, and unique experience in an inclusive environment that helps them thrive. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know and we will be happy to support you. We use generative AI tools to support our candidate screening process. This helps us ensure a fair, consistent, and efficient experience for all applicants. Rest assured, all final decisions are made by our hiring team, and your application will be reviewed with care and attention.

Category Manager - Products Location: Flexible UK Location | Hybrid (2 days WFH / 3 days on-site or travel)Pay Rate: £650 per day via umbrella (Inside IR35)Contract Length: 12-month contract (Possible extension)The OpportunityThis is a fantastic opportunity to join a large, nationally significant infrastructure organisation on a high-impact contract.You'll step into a key Category Manager role responsible for managing critical product supply chains (e.g. valves, pipes, fittings) that underpin essential operations. This is a role where you can genuinely make a difference - improving supplier performance, unlocking value, and shaping how contracts are managed going forward.There is real scope to put your stamp on the category, with clear opportunities to drive improvements in areas that haven't been fully optimised before.Regular travel required across the UK and occasionally Europe (typically once every 4 weeks or as required)Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and deliver category strategies for product-based spend areasLead supplier performance management, including:KPI and SLA settingMonthly and quarterly performance reviewsIdentify and deliver cost savings and value improvement opportunitiesManage supplier contracts, ensuring optimal performance and complianceBuild strong relationships with key stakeholders and present strategies to senior leadersSupport and lead tendering and framework activities where requiredMonitor market trends and maintain strong engagement with the supplier baseKey Skills & ExperienceEssentialProven experience as a Category Manager / Procurement ManagerStrong background in:Contract management and supplier performanceSetting and managing KPIs / SLAsExperience conducting supplier reviews (e.g. QBRs, MBRs)Excellent stakeholder management skills, including presenting to senior stakeholdersBackground within engineering, manufacturing, or industrial environmentsSolid understanding of procurement processes and tenderingDesirableExperience within regulated environments (e.g. utilities, infrastructure)CIPS (or working towards)Exposure to logistics, expediting, or supply chain operationsPlease note: Due to the high volume of applications, only successful candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from us within 48 hours, unfortunately, your application has not been successful on this occasion. However, we may retain your details for any future suitable vacancies and contact you accordingly.Pontoon is an employment consultancy. We put expertise, energy, and enthusiasm into improving everyone's chance of being part of the workplace. We respect and appreciate people of all ethnicities, generations, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, and more. We do this by showcasing their talents, skills, and unique experience in an inclusive environment that helps them thrive. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know and we will be happy to support you. We use generative AI tools to support our candidate screening process. This helps us ensure a fair, consistent, and efficient experience for all applicants. Rest assured, all final decisions are made by our hiring team, and your application will be reviewed with care and attention.

Job Advertisement: Category Manager Location: Remote with occasional visits to the client office in Warwick and site locations as requiredDuration: 6 months initiallyRate: £700 per day (umbrella)Are you ready to take your procurement expertise to the next level? Our client is seeking a dynamic Category Manager to lead procurement activities for major infrastructure projects focused on hydrogen and carbon capture! If you're passionate about making a difference in the energy sector and have a knack for managing complex procurement processes, we want to hear from you!About the Role: As the Supply Chain Lead, you'll play a pivotal role in the early Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) phase of significant infrastructure projects. Your mission? Establish robust procurement frameworks, engage with the market, and manage the end-to-end procurement processes that enable project readiness. Your contributions will be crucial in building internal capability while ensuring compliance and efficiency within a regulated utility environment.Key Responsibilities:Lead procurement activities during the early FEED phases for infrastructure projects, specifically in carbon capture and hydrogen transmission.Develop and execute procurement strategies that align with regulated utility requirements (UCR 2016).Assist in setting up engineering and construction frameworks to facilitate efficient call-offs across multiple projects.Take ownership of and manage the complete delivery of assigned procurement packages, including framework call-offs and market competition, with minimal supervision.Engage with suppliers, including Tier 1 engineering firms and specialized service providers, to negotiate and source contracts effectively.Collaborate with internal project stakeholders to define project scope, structure procurement packages, and prepare tender documentation.Contribute to the creation of procurement strategies, contract management models, commercial frameworks, and project delivery structures.Ensure that procurement activities align with project timelines, budget constraints, and regulatory requirements.What We're Looking For:Extensive experience in procurement within the public sector or regulated utilities.Proven experience in major infrastructure or construction projects.Strong understanding of procurement frameworks and call-off mechanisms.Familiarity with regulated utility/PA 2023 procurement processes.Excellent communication skills to discuss risks and opportunities with senior stakeholders.A comprehensive knowledge base in public sector procurement, with a commercial mindset.In-depth understanding of NEC contracts.A hands-on approach to ensure alignment of contract needs-willingness to roll up your sleeves and get involved!Why Join Us? This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in the energy sector while working with innovative projects. You will be part of a forward-thinking organization that values collaboration, efficiency, and excellence.If you're ready to take on this exciting challenge and contribute to transformative projects, apply today! Join us in leading the way toward a sustainable future!How to Apply: Submit your CV outlining your relevant experience and why you're a perfect fit for this role. We can't wait to hear from you!Pontoon is an employment consultancy. We put expertise, energy, and enthusiasm into improving everyone's chance of being part of the workplace. We respect and appreciate people of all ethnicities, generations, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, and more. We do this by showcasing their talents, skills, and unique experience in an inclusive environment that helps them thrive. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.We use generative AI tools to support our candidate screening process. This helps us ensure a fair, consistent, and efficient experience for all applicants. Rest assured, all final decisions are made by our hiring team, and your application will be reviewed with care and attention.