At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing strategies and build strong supplier partnerships in a dynamic supply chain.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company shaping global supply chains with innovative solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive bonuses, private healthcare, and a solid pension plan.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on business performance while developing your strategic and negotiation skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or supply chain management with strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Strategic Category Manager Hybrid working (3 days onsite in Oxford, 2 days WFH) Bonus (10-20% based on company and individual performance) Private Healthcare 6% Pension Shape the Future of a High-Impact Global Supply Chain Are you a commercially minded procurement professional who thrives on building robust sourcing strategies, developing supplier partnerships, and driving tangible business value?
We are seeking an ambitious Strategic Category Manager to join a growing procurement function and take ownership of critical direct supply chain categories.
This is an outstanding opportunity to influence supplier strategy, mitigate risk, optimisecost, and ensure supply continuity across a technologically advanced manufacturing environment.
Strategic Category Manager The Opportunity As a Strategic Category Manager, you will lead the development and execution of category and sourcing strategies across a complex supply chain.
Working closely with cross-functional stakeholders, you will play a pivotal role in strengthening supplier performance, improving service levels, reducing operational risk, and delivering sustainable commercial outcomes.
This is a highly visible role that combines strategic thinking with hands-on supplier and stakeholder management, offering genuine scope to make a lasting impact on business performance.
Strategic Category Manager Key Responsibilities Develop and implement category sourcing strategies aligned to businessobjectives.
Lead end-to-end procurement activities, including RFIs, RFQs, negotiations, and contract management.
Build andmaintainstrong supplier relationships, driving performance across quality, cost, delivery, and risk measures.
Monitor market and commodity trends toidentifyopportunities and mitigate supply chain challenges.
Evaluate supplier portfolios through total cost of ownership analysis.
Identify, assess, and onboard new suppliers to support business growth and resilience.
Lead supplier performance reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
Ensure supplier compliance with business, regulatory, and commercial requirements.
Collaborate closely with stakeholders across procurement, supply chain, manufacturing, and engineering functions.
Strategic Category Manager About You Proven experience in procurement, purchasing, category management, or supply chain management Proven experience working within a manufacturing environment Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills Excellent negotiation and communication abilities A strategic mindset combined with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment Thank you for your application.
Due to the volume of applications, we receive, unfortunately weare not able torespond to every application personally, therefore, if you have not heard back from us within 5 working days, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.
To see our other available vacancies please visit our website.
- INDENG
- TPBN1_UKTJ
Category Manager in Oxford employer: All The Top Bananas
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Oxford
✨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 All The Top Bananas.
✨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 in Oxford
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 All The Top Bananas:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to All The Top Bananas. 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 All The Top Bananas.
How to prepare for a job interview at All The Top Bananas
✨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 All The Top Bananas!
✨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 All The Top Bananas. 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 All The Top Bananas's culture.
