Category Manager

Category Manager

Eastleigh Full-Time 32000 - 48000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead procurement processes, negotiate contracts, and build supplier relationships.
  • Company: Join a top national provider of fire and security solutions with a stellar industry reputation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with competitive salary and opportunities for travel.
  • Why this job: Shape purchasing strategies in a dynamic environment while driving operational excellence.
  • Qualifications: Experience in purchasing or as an assistant buyer; strong communication and analytical skills required.
  • Other info: Ideal for those looking to advance their procurement career in a supportive team.

The predicted salary is between 32000 - 48000 £ per year.

Location: Chandlers Ford

Salary: £40,000

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

We are recruiting on behalf of a leading national provider of fire and security solutions with a strong reputation in the industry. Due to continued growth, the company is now seeking a Category Manager to lead their procurement function and contribute to operational excellence across the business.

The role of a Category Manager:

As a Category Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the entire procurement process, from sourcing suppliers and running tenders to negotiating contracts and ensuring on-time delivery. You’ll play a key role in driving value, ensuring quality, and fostering strong supplier relationships. Working closely with the Warehouse and Logistics teams, you’ll be an integral part of cross-functional planning and execution. This role may require occasional travel to support acquisitions and supplier engagement across different locations.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop and implement effective purchasing strategies aligned with business needs.
  • Run tenders, source best value, and build strong supplier partnerships.
  • Lead the purchasing function in collaboration with the warehouse and logistics teams.
  • Negotiate contracts and pricing to ensure the organisation receives optimal value.
  • Monitor supplier performance and ensure timely, high-quality deliveries.
  • Work with inventory teams to ensure stock availability using Just-in-Time principles.
  • Manage purchasing budgets and prepare accurate cost estimates.
  • Stay informed on trends and best practices in fire and security, as well as broader operational improvements.
  • Identify cost-saving opportunities and efficiencies across all procurement activities.
  • Attend relevant team meetings and contribute to wider business initiatives.

Requirements:

  • Proven experience in a purchasing or assistant buyer role, ideally with exposure to tendering and supplier negotiations.
  • Strong understanding of procurement principles and inventory management.
  • Excellent relationship-building and communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Organised, analytical, and solutions-focused approach.
  • Flexibility to travel to different sites as required.
  • A proactive, lead-by-example mindset.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your procurement career and play a key role in shaping purchasing strategy in a dynamic environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now or contact:

Category Manager employer: Dynamite Recruitment Solutions Ltd

As a leading national provider of fire and security solutions, our company offers an exceptional work environment in Chandlers Ford, where innovation and operational excellence are at the forefront. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative culture that encourages professional growth, with ample opportunities for career advancement and skill development. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that values your contributions and supports your journey towards meaningful and rewarding employment.
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Contact Detail:

Dynamite Recruitment Solutions Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Category Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the procurement and supply chain industry. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even refer you to opportunities at StudySmarter.

✨Tip Number 2

Research the latest trends in fire and security solutions. Being knowledgeable about current market developments will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships or negotiated contracts in the past. This will showcase your experience and problem-solving skills during the interview process.

✨Tip Number 4

Familiarise yourself with Just-in-Time inventory principles, as this is a key aspect of the role. Being able to speak confidently about how you can implement these strategies will set you apart from other candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager

Procurement Management
Supplier Negotiation
Tendering Processes
Contract Management
Inventory Management
Relationship Building
Analytical Skills
Cost Estimation
Budget Management
Just-in-Time Principles
Communication Skills
Team Collaboration
Problem-Solving Skills
Market Research
Operational Excellence

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement, supplier negotiations, and inventory management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to develop purchasing strategies and manage budgets.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the fire and security industry. Mention how your skills align with the key responsibilities of the Category Manager role and express your enthusiasm for contributing to operational excellence.

Highlight Key Skills: In your application, emphasise your relationship-building and communication skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams, particularly in logistics and warehouse management.

Showcase Your Analytical Abilities: Demonstrate your analytical and solutions-focused approach by including instances where you've identified cost-saving opportunities or improved procurement processes. This will show your proactive mindset and ability to drive value.

How to prepare for a job interview at Dynamite Recruitment Solutions Ltd

✨Showcase Your Procurement Experience

Be prepared to discuss your previous roles in procurement, especially any experience with tendering and supplier negotiations. Highlight specific examples where you successfully sourced suppliers or negotiated contracts.

✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Skills

Since the role requires strong supplier relationships, think of instances where you've built successful partnerships. Be ready to explain how you maintain these relationships and resolve conflicts when they arise.

✨Understand Industry Trends

Stay informed about the latest trends in fire and security solutions. Mention any relevant news or developments during your interview to show that you're proactive and knowledgeable about the industry.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. Prepare scenarios related to procurement challenges and how you would address them, particularly in a cross-functional team setting.

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