Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing strategies and supplier negotiations in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a growing procurement team in a highly technical manufacturing organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 4.5-day work week, and local discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sourcing decisions and drive sustainability in procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities and supportive work culture.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A strategic procurement opportunity for an experienced professional to lead direct spend categories within a complex manufacturing environment, driving sourcing strategy, supplier performance, and long-term value across cost, quality, and sustainability.
This is a key role with real influence over sourcing decisions and supplier strategy. As a Procurement Manager / Category Lead you will take ownership of critical direct spend categories, developing and delivering robust category strategies aligned to operational and new product development goals. You will work closely with internal stakeholders to ensure supply continuity and value creation.
In this role, the Procurement Manager / Category Lead will lead sourcing activity, supplier negotiations, and contract management while driving data-led decision-making and continuous improvement across the supply chain.
DUTIES
- Category Strategy Development: Creating and delivering category strategies aligned to business and NPD objectives
- Sourcing and RFx Management: Leading sourcing exercises, tendering activity, and supplier selection
- Supplier Negotiation: Negotiating commercial agreements to achieve best value across cost, quality, and innovation
- Contract Lifecycle Management: Creating, managing, and resolving supplier contracts from initiation to expiry
- Supplier Relationship Management: Building strong, collaborative supplier relationships and managing performance
- Risk Mitigation: Identifying and mitigating supply chain risks to ensure continuity of supply
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Working closely with Purchasing and stakeholders on demand planning and supply assurance
- Data and Systems Management: Driving data-led decision-making and maintaining accurate procurement master data
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
- ESSENTIAL
- Previous experience in category management within a manufacturing or engineering environment
- Proven experience of procurement, sourcing, and supplier relationship management
- Experience leading supplier negotiations and managing commercial agreements
- Strong commercial awareness with an analytical and outcome-focused approach
- Confident using ERP and source-to-pay systems alongside Microsoft Office tools
- DESIRABLE
- A background in engineering or a technical manufacturing setting
- A business or engineering qualification
- CIPS qualification or working towards professional procurement accreditation
BENEFITS
- Competitive salary package
- 4.5-day working week
- Local employee discount schemes
- On-site parking
- Employee Assistance Programme
HOW TO APPLY
To be considered for this job vacancy, please submit your CV to our Recruitment Team who will review your details. CVs of Job Applicants meeting this requirement will be submitted to our Client for consideration.
Procurement Manager / Category Lead / Direct Spend in Plymouth employer: AWD online
Contact Detail:
AWD online Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager / Category Lead / Direct Spend in Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field, attend industry events, and join relevant online forums. 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 the company and its procurement strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in areas like supplier negotiations and category strategy development.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When discussing your past roles, highlight specific examples of how you've driven value through cost savings, quality improvements, or innovative sourcing strategies. Numbers speak volumes!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and making an impact in procurement.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Manager / Category Lead / Direct Spend in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Procurement Manager role. Highlight your experience in category management and any relevant achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how your skills can drive sourcing strategy and supplier performance!
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 relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves data-led decision-making, make sure to highlight your analytical skills in your application. Mention any tools or systems you've used to drive procurement decisions. We’re keen on seeing how you can contribute to continuous improvement!
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 it gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at AWD online
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the direct spend categories relevant to the role. Understand the current market trends, key suppliers, and potential risks. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're proactive and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare specific examples of successful negotiations you've led in the past. Highlight how you achieved value across cost, quality, and innovation. Being able to articulate your approach to supplier negotiations will demonstrate your capability to manage commercial agreements effectively.
✨Emphasise Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role requires working closely with various stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you've collaborated with different teams in previous roles. Share examples of how you’ve ensured supply continuity and value creation through effective communication and teamwork.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Since the job involves driving data-led decision-making, come prepared to discuss how you've used data in your procurement strategies. Whether it's through ERP systems or analytics tools, showcasing your analytical skills will highlight your outcome-focused approach.
