At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and manage supplier relationships to drive value in our supply chain.
- Company: Join Altro, a leader in premium flooring and wall cladding solutions since 1919.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, enhanced family benefits, and a hybrid working arrangement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and a passion for continuous improvement.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with excellent career growth opportunities and social events.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About the Role
At Altro, we’ve been transforming spaces since 1919 with premium flooring and wall cladding solutions for the construction and transport industries. We’re currently looking for a Category Manager to lead strategic sourcing of our bought-in goods and walling products and drive value across our global supply chain. If you are looking for the next step in your procurement career, keen to learn and have drive, motivation and a 'can-do' approach to your work, we’d love to hear from you!
In this role you will develop and deliver strategic category plans for your allocated suppliers, lead sourcing activities focused on cost efficiency, risk mitigation and sustainability, manage supplier relationships, resolve supply issues, maintain supplier intelligence and ensure continuity and value. You will conduct tendering, benchmarking and cost-benefit analysis to secure the best total cost of ownership, coach and support teams in procurement best practices, participate in risk analysis and assist with budget preparation and forecasting. You will report on category plan progress and ensure compliance with procurement policies, driving excellence across the function.
Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver strategic category plans
- Lead sourcing activities focused on cost efficiency, risk mitigation and sustainability
- Manage supplier relationships, resolve supply issues and maintain supplier intelligence
- Conduct tendering, benchmarking and cost-benefit analysis
- Coach and support teams in procurement best practices
- Participate in risk analysis
- Assist with budget preparation and forecasting
- Report on category plan progress and ensure compliance with procurement policies
Benefits
- Enhanced family friendly benefits, including maternity, paternity and shared parental leave
- Holiday entitlement starting at 25 days plus bank holidays, with the option to buy additional days
- Benefit Hub: exclusive discounts with retail partners for UK employees
- Learning and development programme with in-house training, coaching and access to external courses
- Defined contribution pension scheme: minimum 4% contribution matched by the company, up to 6% with length of service
- Life assurance scheme covering up to four times your annual salary
- Occupational health support including sick pay and an onsite occupational health service
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24-hour helpline, confidential support via phone, online or in-person
- Volunteering: paid one day per year for healthcare related charities
- Social events such as company Christmas party and other group activities
- Retirement planning advice and support
- Free eye tests for all employees
- Long service awards for all employees
- Free car parking at all sites
- Hybrid working arrangement with flexibility between home and office
- Car allowance for certain positions
- Private medical scheme dependent on job role
Requirements
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in senior procurement roles, ideally in manufacturing or supply chain
- Strong negotiation, communication and stakeholder management skills
- Knowledge of European supply chain regulations and German contract law (desirable)
- CIPS qualification or equivalent; MBA/DMS desirable
- Proactive, collaborative and passionate about continuous improvement
- Team player with drive to learn and develop and a 'can do' attitude
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Marketing and Sales
Industries: Accounting
Category Manager in Letchworth employer: Altro Limited
Contact Detail:
Altro Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Letchworth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field and let them know you're on the hunt for a Category Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Altro and their products. Understand their supply chain processes and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to drive cost efficiency and manage supplier relationships. Role-play common scenarios with a friend to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Letchworth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in procurement, especially any strategic sourcing or supplier management you've done. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your knowledge of European supply chain regulations if you have it!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements rather than just duties. Did you lead a successful sourcing project? Share the results! We love seeing how you've added value in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Altro Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of European supply chain regulations and German contract law. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role and understand the complexities involved.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples of how you've developed and delivered strategic category plans in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easy for the interviewers to see your thought process and impact.
✨Demonstrate Your Negotiation Skills
Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've successfully negotiated with suppliers. Highlight your approach to achieving cost efficiency and risk mitigation, as this aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for in a Category Manager.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about their procurement policies and how they measure success in supplier relationships. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the company is the right fit for you.