At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage product categories, supplier relationships, and drive commercial growth across Ireland.
- Company: Well-established organisation in the builders’ merchant and construction supplies sector.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, performance-related bonus, company car, and excellent benefits package.
- Other info: Hybrid working with excellent long-term career opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in a key management role.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in Buying, Procurement or Category Management with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 39600 - 48400 £ per year.
Abrivia Recruitment is delighted to be partnering with a well-established and highly regarded organisation within the builders’ merchant and construction supplies sector to recruit a Category Manager/ Buyer for a key role covering the island of Ireland.
This is a genuine buying/ category management position with responsibility for developing product categories, managing supplier relationships, supporting stock and inventory performance and driving commercial growth across a large, multi-site business.
Please note: this is not a Sales or Business Development role. We are specifically looking for candidates with hands-on experience in Buying, Procurement or Category Management.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage and develop assigned product categories across the island of Ireland
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers
- Negotiate commercial terms, pricing and supplier agreements
- Analyse category performance, margins, market trends and competitor activity
- Manage stock levels and support effective inventory planning across multiple locations
- Identify opportunities for new products, suppliers and category growth
- Support promotional activity and new product launches
- Work closely with Sales, Operations, Logistics and Marketing teams
- Contribute to the continued development of central distribution and supply chain activity
- Travel to branches and suppliers across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland as required
What We’re Looking For:
- 3+ years' experience in Buying, Procurement or Category Management
- Strong hands-on supplier management and negotiation experience
- Experience managing product ranges, pricing, margins, stock and inventory
- Strong commercial and analytical skills
- Experience within retail, wholesale, distribution, building materials, DIY, tools, FMCG or another product-led environment would be highly relevant
- Comfortable working within a fast-paced, multi-site organisation
- Strong Excel and reporting skills
- Flexibility to travel across the island of Ireland when required
The successful candidate will join a strong, established organisation offering a performance-related bonus, company car, excellent benefits package, hybrid working and excellent long-term career opportunities.
If you are an experienced Buyer or Category Manager based in Northern Ireland and would be interested in hearing more, please apply or contact Marty Caskey at Abrivia Recruitment for a confidential discussion.
Category Manager employer: Abrivia Recruitment Specialists
Join a dynamic and innovative Tech for Good company in Belfast, where your contributions directly impact meaningful change. We foster a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth through continuous learning opportunities and mentorship from our founders. With an uncapped commission structure, you can truly reap the rewards of your hard work while being part of a mission-driven team.
Contact Details:
Abrivia Recruitment Specialists Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Abrivia Recruitment Specialists.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Abrivia Recruitment Specialists:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Abrivia Recruitment Specialists. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Abrivia Recruitment Specialists.
How to prepare for a job interview at Abrivia Recruitment Specialists
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Abrivia Recruitment Specialists!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Abrivia Recruitment Specialists. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Abrivia Recruitment Specialists's culture.
