Senior Category Manager (Technology)

Hello. We’re Severn Trent and we think water is wonderful. And we’re pretty keen on people, too. 

Within our Procurement team here in Coventry, we have an exciting new opportunity for a Senior Category Manager to focus on the strategic management and ownership of the IT/Technology purchasing strategy & approach to support Severn Trent’s ambitious Cyber Security journey as we move into our next 5 year strategic regulatory period.

In this role you’ll deliver a sustainable supply chain to ensure Severn Trent Water’s external expenditure is effectively managed to deliver lowest costs and highest standards. The Senior Category Manager’s portfolio contains the IT/Technology systems and services required to support Severn Trent’s Cyber Security ambitions. This is an incredibly strategically important category for Severn Trent as it faces into the ever-growing threats related to Cyber Security & its pivotal position as Critical National Infrastructure.

You’ll be working with senior stakeholders across the business with great exposure, so communication skills are key in this role and as a senior member of the team, you’ll be on hand to guide and support our Buyers and Category Managers as they look to progress in their careers. 

Sound like you? Then read on.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW  

   Your key accountabilities in helping us will be:

• Accountable for the strategic management of the Cyber Security purchasing category with the aim of driving improvement in commercial and contract performance whilst managing supply chain risk
• Profile and research supply markets and suppliers to assess trends, opportunities and risks
• 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 selection, managing the tender process and implementing contacts to meet and exceed Severn Trent requirements and to ensure best value is delivered through the life of the contract.
• Identification and delivery of category cost saving opportunities.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE ROLE 

The right skills and experience are important. But if you have the right character, positivity and a caring attitude we want to talk to you, too.  

You’ll join our team with a strong commercial background, gained ideally within a regulated environment, Utilities sector or large, complex organisation.

From a technical standpoint, you’ll have experience and knowledge of modern purchasing processes (e.g. managing tenders & contracts), alongside a good understanding of end-to-end category management, with a proven ability to develop and articulate category strategies. Additionally, it would be advantageous if you hold an appropriate professional qualification (e.g.CIPS). 

We welcome people from all walks of life and celebrate individuality as we know diverse minds, experiences and backgrounds help us to learn and better serve our communities. We want people who show up and get involve. Those who are ready to be part of something bigger and who want to make a difference because they care. Is that you? 

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU  

Working here isn’t just a job. You can build a career at Severn Trent. We’ll reward you for it, too. We have a range of benefits that recognise great work, and award-winning training to help you reach your potential. And we’ll also help you play your part in looking after the environment and the communities where we live.

With that in mind, here are just some of our favourite's perks that you’ll get being part of the Seven Trent family:  

• 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, which is 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   

WHATS NEXT? 

We can’t wait to hear from you.  

At Severn Trent, you’ll be joining a culture that cares, one that works together to achieve, grow, and develop. And when it comes to our employee engagement scores – they’re some of the highest of energy and utility companies globally*, and we believe that is down to our wonderful culture, created by our wonderful people.

That why’s when it comes to how we work, we want to keep up those special in-person moments, to keep our culture alive. But don’t get us wrong, we understand the flexibility that working remotely can bring. Which is why when it comes to how we work – you’ll usually find us in the office, but when you need to work remotely, we’re here for it, when you need it – if suitable for your role.