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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing, negotiate contracts, and develop category strategies for direct spend.
- Company: Join a dynamic manufacturing organisation with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 4.5-day work week, and local discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We have a fantastic new job opportunity for a Procurement Manager / Category Lead to join a growing procurement function within a highly technical manufacturing organisation. This is a key role with real influence over sourcing decisions and supplier strategy.
Key Details
- Location: Plymouth, Devon, South West England (PL1)
- Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
- Salary: Competitive + Benefits
Job Overview
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. By submitting your job application to us you are hereby giving us your express consent to submit your details to our Client for this purpose.
Procurement Manager / Category Lead / Direct Spend 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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the procurement field, especially those who work in manufacturing. Attend industry events or join online forums to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨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 category management and supplier negotiations.
✨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 ability to contribute to data-led decision-making in the new position.
✨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 connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Manager / Category Lead / Direct Spend
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Procurement Manager / Category Lead. Highlight your experience in category management and supplier negotiations, as these are key for us.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; show us what you’ve achieved! Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you've added value in previous roles, especially in a manufacturing or engineering context.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we want to see your professional side, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. A touch of authenticity can make your application stand out from the crowd.
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!
How to prepare for a job interview at AWD online
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific direct spend categories you'll be managing. Understand the 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 take ownership.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you achieved significant value for your organisation. Be ready to discuss your approach, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your capability in supplier negotiations and contract management.
✨Highlight Cross-Functional Collaboration
Think of instances where you've successfully collaborated with other departments, like Purchasing or Engineering. Share how you ensured supply continuity and value creation through teamwork. This will illustrate your ability to work effectively across functions, which is crucial for this role.
✨Emphasise Data-Driven Decision Making
Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform your procurement strategies. Whether it's through ERP systems or analytics tools, showcasing your analytical skills will highlight your outcome-focused approach and align with the company's emphasis on data-led decision-making.
