At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing strategies for maintenance and automotive parts across Europe and Asia-Pacific.
- Company: Join Avis Budget Group, a leader in the rental industry with a global presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on operational excellence and risk management.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on procurement strategies and supplier relationships in a global context.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in procurement with expertise in MRO and automotive parts.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Senior Category Manager – MRO, Maintenance & Automotive Damage Parts will be based in our Bracknell, UK office and will lead the development of sourcing and supplier strategies for Avis Budget Group’s spend across hundreds of rental locations in Asia-Pacific and Europe. This role is responsible for developing and supporting the execution of end-to-end category procurement strategies, managing supplier performance, and driving cost savings while ensuring operational excellence. The position requires deep expertise in MRO and automotive parts, including vended maintenance, as well as strong collaboration skills to effectively align with cross-functional stakeholders.
What you’ll do:
- Strategic Sourcing & Vendor Management: Develop and implement comprehensive aligned sourcing strategies for MRO / auto parts as well as vended maintenance. Ensure the development of agreements and supplier relationships which secure competitive terms and conditions to mitigate risks related to cost volatility, regulations, and market dynamics. Drive compliance to sourcing strategies across a fragmented supplier base, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and delivery of savings goals. Build and maintain supplier relationships through Supplier Relationship Management (SRM), maximizing value across cost, service, and quality.
- Operational & Global Alignment: Work closely with the regional and local procurement operations teams to ensure development of the most cost-efficient, service optimized supply chains from suppliers to retail sites which includes creation and operationalization of best-in-class inventory management processes. Support the development and implementation of standardized international procurement practices. Share and leverage cross-market best practices to enhance global procurement performance. Collaborate closely with operations, finance, and global procurement teams to ensure strategies meet business needs and deliver measurable outcomes.
- Risk & Performance Management: Monitor supplier performance, ensuring accountability to service levels, quality standards, and contractual obligations. Proactively identify and address supply chain, labor, and cost-related risks. Develop and report on KPIs to measure savings, compliance, and overall supplier effectiveness.
You should apply if you bring:
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) preferred.
- 10+ years of progressive procurement experience, with expertise in MRO, auto parts, vended maintenance industries.
- Proven success in building and executing sourcing strategies across fragmented supplier bases, including driving compliance and alignment.
- Strong stakeholder management and collaboration skills with the ability to influence across functions and levels.
- Solid negotiation, contracting, and supplier relationship management skills.
- Strong analytical and communication abilities with a track record of delivering business-aligned procurement outcomes.
Senior Category Manager Maintenance & Damage in Bracknell employer: Avis Budget Group International
At Avis Budget Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Bracknell that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training programmes and opportunities for advancement within the global procurement landscape. With a focus on operational excellence and strategic sourcing, we empower our team members to drive impactful results while enjoying a supportive culture that values diversity and teamwork.
Contact Details:
Avis Budget Group International Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager Maintenance & Damage in Bracknell
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. We suggest you come armed with examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships or driven cost savings in the past. Show them you’re the perfect fit for their Senior Category Manager role!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. We want you to shine when discussing your experience in MRO and automotive parts management.
✨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 and engaged in the process. Let’s get you that Senior Category Manager position!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Manager Maintenance & Damage in Bracknell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in MRO and automotive parts, and don’t forget to showcase your strategic sourcing skills. We want to see how you’ve driven cost savings and managed supplier relationships!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past successes in procurement and how they align with what we’re looking for at Avis Budget Group.
Showcase Your Collaboration Skills:Since this role involves working closely with various teams, make sure to highlight your collaboration skills. Share instances where you’ve successfully aligned with cross-functional stakeholders to achieve common goals. We love teamwork!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Avis Budget Group!
How to prepare for a job interview at Avis Budget Group International
✨Know Your MRO and Automotive Parts Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) as well as automotive parts. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've developed sourcing strategies in these areas. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the terms but can apply them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Supplier Relationship Management Skills
Prepare to share experiences where you've successfully built and maintained supplier relationships. Highlight any specific strategies you used to drive compliance and enhance value. This will demonstrate your ability to manage suppliers effectively, which is crucial for this role.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Prowess
Be ready to discuss how you've used data to inform your procurement decisions. Bring examples of KPIs you've developed or monitored in previous roles. This will illustrate your analytical skills and your ability to deliver measurable outcomes, which are key for the Senior Category Manager position.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration Questions
Expect questions about how you've worked with different teams, like finance and operations, to align procurement strategies. Have a few anecdotes ready that showcase your collaboration skills and how they led to successful outcomes. This will highlight your ability to influence across functions, a vital aspect of the job.
