Category Specialist IS (12 Month FTC)

Role Objective:
*The role will be responsible for the strategic management and ownership of a number of purchasing categories through a structured category management approach..The aim of the role is to deliver a sustainable supply chain to ensure Severn Trent Water's external expenditure is effectively managed to deliver the lowest cost and highest standards. A Senior Category Specialist's portfolio will typically contain categories which are: low volume, high value, medium to high risk and medium to high criticality. For example these categories will include energy, chemicals, transport and plant and equipment. Category Managers will typically manage portfolios with an annual spend of between £15m and £50m.

Key Accountabilities:
Responsible for the strategic management of purchasing categories with the aim of driving total ownership improvements including supplier performance and supplier development with a view to making a significant contribution to Severn Trent's Business Plan. The principal accountabilities within these nominated categories are.Profiling/researching supply markets and suppliers and assessing trends, opportunities and risks. Over time the post holder will be expected to develop an expert knowledge of the assigned category areas. Developing and implementing category strategies which fulfil business requirements (costs and performance) and which recommend strategic sourcing options, tactics, implementation plans, commercial supply risks, whilst ensuring compliance with all legislative requirements. Responsible for supplier relationship management and contract management within category areas. Ensure that all suppliers are effectively and appropriately managed and driven to continuously improve their performance (eg SLAs/KPIs) and costs. Work with the suppliers to drive further efficiencies, value adding opportunities and innovations..Monitor usage of contracts implemented and put in place actions to maximise contract compliance eg effective communication with stakeholders and use of SAP catalogues, contracts and vendor lists. Effectively liaise and communicate with a wide range of stakeholders, particularly Operations and Property Services to ensure that their business needs are met. There will be a requirement to attend and lead stakeholder management meetings and often act as a single point of contact for all communications from the departments concerned and not just those for the categories managed.

Experience:
*Procurement experience.A strong commercial background with ideally an appropriate professional qualification eg CIPS.Previous purchasing experience and an understanding of the EU Procurement Regulations.Strong experience and knowledge of purchasing processes and negotiation (eg managing tendersSAP, Access, Excel, Word, Powerpoint etc.)

Desirable.
Ideally have experience of using various purchasing/procurement systems (for example Bravo and SAP).

Capabilities:
*Strong organisational skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Good influencing skills. An ability to manage stakeholders at all levels. The capability to be self reliant - able to work on own initiative. The ability to work to tight deadlines and prioritise own workloads

Additional Information:
Salary £35,000

Capita Resourcing welcome applications from all suitably qualified people regardless of gender, race, disability, age or sexual orientation.

Capita Resourcing is a trading name of Capita Resourcing Ltd. Services offered are those of an Employment Agency and Employment Business. Applicants will be required to register with us.