At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing initiatives and build strong supplier partnerships.
- Company: Purpose-driven organisation that values innovation and integrity.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, professional development opportunities, and supportive team culture.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor and support a dynamic team while driving commercial excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by shaping procurement strategies for long-term success.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in procurement with strong strategic sourcing and contract management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
Contract: Full-time | 37.5 hours per week | Permanent
Location: Hybrid with occasional travel to our Bradford office
We’re looking for a Procurement Category Manager to join our high-performing team and lead strategic sourcing initiatives that deliver real value. Reporting to the Senior Procurement Category Manager, you’ll take ownership of a category sourcing pipeline, build strong supplier partnerships, and drive commercial excellence across the business. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a tangible impact while working in a collaborative, hybrid environment.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Lead the development and execution of category plans across key categories.
- Drive value through supplier innovation, cost optimisation, and risk mitigation.
- Champion procurement best practices and ensure compliance with procurement legislation and internal policies.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to understand business needs and deliver tailored procurement solutions.
- Build and manage supplier relationships to ensure performance, quality, and continuous improvement.
- Mentor and support Category Assistants, helping to build capability across the team.
- Monitor market trends and proactively identify opportunities for improvement and innovation.
What We’re Looking For:
- Proven experience (5+ years) in direct or indirect procurement, with a strong track record in strategic sourcing and contract management.
- Hands-on experience working with JCT contracts, particularly within property-related procurement.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to build trust and drive collaboration.
- Strong commercial acumen and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions.
- Experience managing complex procurement projects and delivering measurable outcomes.
- Knowledge of UK procurement legislation (PCR 2015). CIPS membership (or working towards) is desirable.
- Experience in property procurement is preferred, but not essential.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a purpose-driven organisation that values innovation, integrity, and impact.
- Enjoy flexible hybrid working and a supportive team culture.
- Access to professional development opportunities and support for CPD.
- Make a real difference by shaping procurement strategies that support long-term success.
Category Manager employer: Anchor
Join a purpose-driven organisation that champions innovation and integrity, offering a flexible hybrid working environment in Bradford. As a Category Manager, you'll not only lead strategic sourcing initiatives but also benefit from a supportive team culture that prioritises professional development and continuous improvement. This role provides a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact while fostering strong supplier partnerships and driving commercial excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around supplier partnerships and cost optimisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills! Bring examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles. This will demonstrate your commercial acumen and ability to deliver measurable outcomes.
✨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 are proactive about joining our purpose-driven team.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your procurement experience, especially with JCT contracts, and any relevant achievements that showcase your strategic sourcing abilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Category Manager role. Share specific examples of how you've driven value through supplier innovation or managed complex procurement projects in the past.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills:In your application, emphasise your ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders. We want to see how you've influenced collaboration and trust in previous roles, so don’t hold back on those examples!
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 this exciting opportunity to make a real impact in our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Anchor
✨Know Your Categories
Before the interview, dive deep into the categories you'll be managing. Understand the market trends, key suppliers, and any recent innovations in procurement. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders in the past. Think about specific situations where you built trust and collaboration. Being able to articulate these experiences will highlight your ability to work effectively within a team.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Brush up on your analytical skills and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Bring examples of how you've optimised costs or mitigated risks through strategic sourcing. This will showcase your strong commercial mindset.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's procurement strategies and challenges they face. This shows that you're not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to their success. It’s a great way to engage with the interviewers and leave a lasting impression.
