Category Manager

Category Manager

Full time 37.5hrs / Permanent / Salary: from £41,500 / Office Based / Stoke on Trent

Due to an internal promotion, Water Plus, UK's largest water retailer for around 350,000 customers, has an exciting opportunity for a Category Manager, reporting to the Procurement Lead.

This role is office based in Stoke (ST4 4TW) Monday to Friday.

What's the role?

Working with the Procurement Lead to optimise supplier value, operating as a Business Partner advising, supporting and guiding departments undertaking procurement activities.

You will interact with stakeholders from across the business daily, from Executive Team members requiring guidance on high value/strategic contracts to more junior colleagues, seeking adhoc guidance. There is also significant contact with suppliers (from tendering throughout contract management life-cycle).

What are some of the duties I'll be doing?

• Ensure procurement is robust and complies with industry and regulatory legislative requirements and best practice.
• Provide accurate & reliable procurement advice and guidance that considers best course of action.
• Support the business to undertake procurement exercises that lead to successful contracts being entered into that are in line with company values and deliver quality goods/services for the appropriate efficient cost.
• Comply with internal established frameworks/purchasing arrangements.
• Promote effective contract management across the business to ensure effective delivery and ongoing supplier development.
• Building effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Contact interactions vary from non-confrontational discussions to more challenging contractual disputes/resolutions.

What are we looking for from you?

In addition to the above, you will have….

Essential:

• A working knowledge and robust understanding of the principles of Category Management and Procurement.
• A proven track record of effective stakeholder influencing.
• High level of personal motivation; strong drive and initiative.
• Strong time management, planning and organisation skills.
• Able to manage high volume workloads and, at times, conflicting demands whilst meeting challenging deadlines.
• Strong data analytical skills.

*

Desirable:

• Working towards MCIPS qualification with significant procurement experience
• Good knowledge of MS Office suite and procurement software

What do we have to offer you?

• A competitive salary from £41,500 dependent upon experience
• 25 days annual leave (pro-rata if you join part way through our annual leave year). Plus never work your birthday, Plus all Bank Holidays.
• Free parking.
• Free Healthcare cashback Plan (re-claiming for spend on optical treatment or dental care and so much more). You can also choose to pay to upgrade your membership to include a partner and children.
• Pension Scheme and Life Assurance.
• Confidential Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to discounts and offers from 350+ top brands.
• Access to Water Plus Academy to develop personally and professionally, incl support with professional qualifications and study leave.

What is a Water Retailer and who is Water Plus?

When parliament approved The Water Bill in 2014, it declared that the water market could become competitive for non-domestic customers. It ruled that water wholesalers could no longer provide the retail element for their non-domestic customer. Water Plus is a Water Retailer, and we went live in 2017 as a joint venture between United Utilities and Severn Trent and our customers range from small independent businesses to some of the biggest names in the UK.

A few years on, we are an award-winning trusted water retail partner for around 350,000 non-domestic customers across England and Scotland. Amongst other accolades, we have recently won the UK Customer Satisfaction Award for Sustainable Customer Service for 2025, for our work with customers and employees – the second UK Customer Satisfaction Award we have won in two years.

Please note: We may close this advert at any time, therefore you are encouraged to apply as soon as you can. If you have any questions or issues regarding your application, please email us at -

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From £41,500.00 per year

Application question(s):

• What is your salary expectation?
• What is your notice period?
• Please briefly summarise your experience relevant to the role

Licence/Certification:

• knowledge of Category Management + Procurement principles (required)
• qualification working towards MCIPs (preferred)

Work Location: In person