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- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing initiatives and optimise procurement performance for veterinary clinics.
- Company: AniCura, part of Mars Veterinary Health, dedicated to better pet care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, personal development, and cuddles with pets.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in a mission-driven healthcare environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in Procurement, strong negotiation skills, and analytical mindset.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to creating a better world for pets.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
AniCura is a leading provider of veterinary care in Europe. Our company was born out of the philosophy that sharing resources can create opportunities for better veterinary care and outcomes. Our services include a wide range of high-quality medical services covering preventive and basic health care as well as specialized care, including advanced diagnostics, internal medicine, intensive care, surgery, and orthopaedics. We also provide rehabilitation, physiotherapy, and dietary advice and offers selected pet food and care products. AniCura’s network includes 500 clinics across 17 countries in Europe, providing over 4.5 million high-quality pet consultations each year. AniCura has been part of Mars Veterinary Health since 2018.
Mars Veterinary Health comprises a network of more than 3,000 clinics worldwide taking care of more than 25 million pets every year. Together, we are able to provide the highest standards in pet care and achieve our collective purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS.
About MVH Europe: Mars Veterinary Health (MVH) Europe is a family of leading veterinary care providers committed to creating a better world for pets. Our network includes trusted brands such as AniCura and Linnaeus, operating over 500 animal hospitals and clinics across 17 European countries. Together, our teams deliver high-quality, modern veterinary care for companion animals, ensuring peace of mind for pet owners through excellent access and patient safety.
About the Role: The Direct Category Manager plays a key role in leading strategic sourcing initiatives across MVH Europe’s direct spend categories. You’ll develop and execute category strategies that deliver cost savings, process optimisation, and supplier performance improvement ensuring that our veterinary clinics have timely access to high-quality materials and services that support patient care. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced procurement professional to make a meaningful contribution in a mission-driven, fast-evolving healthcare environment.
Key Responsibilities:- Develop and implement category strategies to optimise procurement performance and deliver sustainable value.
- Build and manage supplier relationships, ensuring collaboration, compliance, and continuous improvement.
- Lead commercial negotiations and manage contract lifecycles to secure optimal commercial outcomes and mitigate risk.
- Partner with cross-functional teams including Clinical Operations, Medical, Finance, and Quality to align sourcing strategies with clinical and business needs.
- Monitor and report on category spend, identifying opportunities for cost optimisation and efficiency improvements.
- Assess and manage supply chain risks, implementing mitigation strategies to ensure business continuity.
- Use data and analytics to inform sourcing decisions, track supplier performance, and provide insights to leadership.
- Drive continuous improvement and innovation within sourcing processes and procurement systems.
- Ensure compliance with organisational policies, ethical standards, and legal/regulatory requirements.
- 5+ years’ experience in Procurement and Strategic Sourcing, with strong experience in direct categories, ideally within the veterinary or healthcare sector.
- Proven expertise in supplier relationship management, commercial negotiation, and contract management.
- Sound understanding of contract law and procurement governance frameworks.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a commercial and strategic mindset.
- Demonstrable success delivering measurable cost savings and value creation.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and e-sourcing tools.
- Recognised qualification such as CIPS Level 6 (or equivalent) preferred.
- Strategic sourcing and category management expertise.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing capabilities.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a matrixed, multinational environment.
- Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to quality and collaboration.
Our offer: Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to shape the future of veterinary care, together. An industry competitive salary and benefits package. A stimulating work environment with good opportunities for personal development. Freedom to take responsibility and the opportunity to influence. Flexible working hours, hybrid working, international, digital work environment. Learning and development opportunities. The opportunity to cuddle our beloved 4‑legged friends in our offices.
If this sounds like you: Please contact Christina Scimeca, Group Corporate Recruiter, who is happy to tell you more about this opportunity and the recruitment process. Or apply by submitting your resume through the apply button below. MVHE is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds.
Direct Category Manager employer: AniCura Group
Contact Detail:
AniCura Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Direct Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the veterinary or healthcare sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching AniCura and Mars Veterinary Health. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Direct Category Manager, you’ll need to showcase your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or mentor to build confidence and refine your approach before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at AniCura and contributing to a better world for pets.
We think you need these skills to ace Direct Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Direct Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in procurement and strategic sourcing, especially within the veterinary or healthcare sector. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for veterinary care and how you can contribute to making a better world for pets. Keep it engaging and relevant to the role – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of cost savings or process improvements you've implemented in previous roles. We’re all about measurable impact here at AniCura.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on our radar. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at AniCura Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into AniCura and Mars Veterinary Health. Understand their mission, values, and the specific role of a Direct Category Manager. This knowledge will help you connect your experience to their goals and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your expertise in procurement and strategic sourcing. Focus on measurable outcomes, like cost savings or improved supplier relationships, to demonstrate your impact in previous positions.
✨Engage with Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's culture, the team you'll be working with, and how they measure success in the Direct Category Manager role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think through potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would approach them, especially in a fast-evolving healthcare environment.
