SDA Senior Category Manager

It's a busy and exciting time here at the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) and we're seeking Category Managers to join our team in Bristol. We're delivering the extraordinary for the defence of the UK and we're looking for individuals with a thirst for improvement, a drive for engaging others, and a keen eye for detail. If you are a procurement professional with category management or strategic sourcing experience and an appetite for creating commercial change and adding value - Are you ready to help us?

You'll join the SDA's Supply Chain Optimisation team where you will help deliver improvements to our understanding of the Submarine Enterprise market and the performance, health and management of the Supply Chain. We are set up to 'shape tomorrow's supply chain' together focused on facilitating the resolution of commercial and technical issues in the supply chain, for the long term, cutting across delivery teams and suppliers. We are looking for a team player, drawing on colleagues' strengths and experiences, sharing learning and providing support.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced Category Management or an accomplished Procurement professional to make an impact. You'll have scope to establish and align internal and external expectations and deliver material change, supporting the establishment of category management in the SDA ensuring buy-in across the business.

In this team, you'll have the chance to showcase your drive, enthusiasm, and dynamism, leading the development and implementation of category strategies based on current landscape, customer requirements and market knowledge / analysis with all relevant stakeholder groups through data analysis, market research and input of initiative ideas. Your time will be mostly dedicated to SDA, focusing on market and supplier base analysis, spend, cost drivers and contract requirements. You will also work across the MOD, broadening your stakeholder and change management skills, and deepening your experience.

We strongly recommend tailoring your CV in line with our CV Guidance before applying, with specific sections to highlight Key Achievements, Relevant Experience, and Applied Skills and Knowledge.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of this post will include, but not be limited to, the following:

Responsible for the development and implementation of specific category strategy (or strategies) based upon customer demand.
Build and apply knowledge of commercial markets, the commercial lifecycle and broader global context to inform decision making and drive best practice.
Engage with suppliers in the marketplace to ensure a resilient and competitive supply landscape
Develop and maintain a deep understanding of customer requirements through consultation with all relevant stakeholders and acts as a focal point for the category.
Builds expert insight and knowledge of each category through external market research and analysis and the dynamics of the category.
Developing, maintaining and sharing a compelling vision and strategy based on, or influencing the external supply market capability.
Being prepared to challenge convention, influence direction and act as a catalyst for innovation.
Communicate in a timely manner with a range of internal and external stakeholders including Senior Leadership, suppliers and Subject Matter Experts.
Lead commercal practitioners, oversea and supervise outputs, advising, coaching and developing staff to support their personal development.
Conduct assurance and due diligence of procurement and supply chain activity within own area of responsibility in order to provide confidence in outcomes. Participate in Peer Reviews as required.
Provide support and assistance to commercial enabling teams to assist delivery of SDA Business Improvement projects.
Contribute to wider Commercial functional and SDA initiatives as required.