Senior Category Manager

Senior Category Manager

We're looking for a Senior Category Manager to join our Procurement & Contract Management team, leading our Asset Repair and Refurbishment category and shaping the future of how we deliver critical infrastructure services.

Job Overview

As a Senior Category Manager, you'll play a key role in driving value across a business critical area of spend. You'll lead the development of long term category strategies, manage supplier relationships, and deliver high value sourcing activity that supports operational performance and sustainability goals.

You'll work closely with senior stakeholders across the business to understand future demand, influence commercial decisions, and ensure procurement activity aligns with business priorities and regulatory expectations.

In this role, you'll

• Lead the development and delivery of strategic category plans and procurement pipelines
• Oversee complex tender activity, leading negotiations to secure best value and outcomes
• Monitor and manage spend, ensuring strong contract coverage and forward planning
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, influencing business planning and decision making
• Identify and manage supply chain risks, developing mitigation and contingency plans
• Embed sustainability into sourcing strategies and work with suppliers to improve performance
• Ensure compliance with Severn Trent processes and regulated procurement requirements
• Contribute to continuous improvement across the Procurement function
• Promote a strong culture of health, safety and wellbeing across suppliers and stakeholders

What you'll bring to the role

• Experience delivering end to end procurement and category management strategies
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills, with a track record of delivering commercial value
• Confidence engaging with and challenging senior stakeholders
• The ability to turn data and market insight into clear, strategic decisions
• A proactive, problem solving mindset with the ability to work independently
• A passion for continuous improvement and driving change
• Experience operating in a regulated or complex organisation (utilities experience is a plus)
• CIPS Level 6 (or working towards) preferred

Benefits

• 28 days holiday + bank holidays (and the ability to buy/sell up to 5 days per year)
• Annual bonus scheme (of up to £2,250, subject to eligibility)
• Leading pension scheme - we will double your contribution (up to 15% when you contribute 7.5%)
• Sharesave - the chance to buy Severn Trent Plc shares at a discounted rate
• Support for your CIPS studies
• Dedicated training and development with our Academy
• Electric vehicle scheme and retail offers
• Family friendly policies
• Two paid volunteering days per year