SDA Category Manager

The Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) is a part of the Ministry of Defence responsible for the procurement, in-service support, and disposal of the UK’s nuclear submarines. Our work is of unparalleled strategic importance nationally and internationally, ensuring the security of the UK’s continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent, and delivering some of the most technically complex programmes in defence. 

 As part of a diverse and inclusive workforce, our team will find a community to belong to – whether that’s alongside project teams with a shared vision or as part of an employee network of like-minded individuals. We believe that, by celebrating different backgrounds and different perspectives, together we’ll achieve the extraordinary.

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, supply market analysis 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 Improvement team where you will help deliver improvements to our understanding of the Submarine Enterprise market and the performance, health & management of the Supply Chain. We are set up to ‘shape tomorrow’s supply chain’ by facilitating the resolution of commercial and technical issues in the supply chain which cut across delivery teams and suppliers.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced Category Management or 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, actively contributing to the development 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 have the opportunity to work on projects across the MOD, broadening your stakeholder and change management skills, and deepening your experience.

These positions are open to Sole UK Nationals only. 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/ manage staff where required, advising, coaching and developing staff as required.
• 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.

To be successful with your application, you’ll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Relevant contract sourcing and/or contract management experience.
• Demonstrable experience of Category Management or its constituent parts.
• Current knowledge and understanding of Supplier Management / Category Management insight, emerging trends and thinking
• Experience of supporting and leading projects in a Commercial or Supply Chain environment with a focus on impactful customer engagement.
• IT literate with experience across MS Office including Excel and PowerPoint

If not already held, if successful you will be supported to undertake the following:

• Hold a minimum of a CIPS level 4/or equivalent, or a willingness to work towards this by commencing study within one year of appointment, including attendance at defence commercial professionalism courses to develop commercial skills and ensure on-going Continuing Professional Development.
• Achieve Government Commercial Function (GCF) professional standard through Practitioner Level Accreditation Panel

In addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competences and behaviours will be assessed at interview:

• Establishing the Source Strategy
• Contract Management
• Seeing the big picture
• Changing & Improving

• • 25 days’ annual leave +1 day a year up to 30 days, 8 bank holidays and a day off for the King’s birthday
  • Flexible and hybrid working wherever possible, to support your work-life balance (though some attendance to the stated site is required)
  • Market-leading employer pension contribution of around 27%
  • Annual performance-based bonus and recognition awards
  • Access to specialist training and funded professional qualifications
  • Support for progression
  • Huge range of discounts
  • Volunteering days
  • Enhanced parental leave schemes

  
  We believe in creating an environment where our people can grow, thrive, and be their best selves. So whether you’re looking for a next step, a fresh start, or a helping hand as you return from a career break, here you’ll find a supportive, family-friendly organisation to be a part of. If you need any additional support with your application, let us know.

Job contact :

• Name : Courtney Robinson
• Email : Courtney.robinson190@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : courtney.robinson@reed.com