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- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and drive cost efficiency in key spend categories.
- Company: Join Biffa, a leader in sustainable waste management.
- Benefits: Autonomy to shape strategy and make impactful changes.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative journey in procurement and supply chain.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in strategic procurement with strong negotiation skills.
- Other info: Champion diversity and equality in a dynamic work environment.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
As Category Manager, you will take ownership of key spend categories, shaping multi-year strategies that drive cost efficiency, resilience, sustainability and service excellence.
Responsibilities
- Leading end-to-end tendering, negotiation and contract award processes across your categories
- Delivering annual savings targets while improving supplier quality and delivery performance
- Developing and executing category strategies to reduce cost, mitigate risk and drive innovation
- Managing sustainability requirements, including support of SBTi targets
- Building strong stakeholder relationships while ensuring compliance with procurement processes and systems
You will have genuine scope to influence how procurement operates, with visibility across the organisation and the opportunity to leave a lasting impact. Are you an ambitious, commercially minded procurement professional who thrives on driving change and building high-performing supply chains? We are looking for a Category Manager to play a key role in our Procurement & Supply Chain transformation journey. This is a high-impact opportunity for someone with a strong "can-do" mindset, who enjoys improving how things work, challenging the status quo and delivering tangible value through smarter sourcing and supplier partnerships. You will join a function recognised as a critical enabler of our corporate strategy, with a clear mandate to create a strategic, innovative and best-in-class procurement operation.
Qualifications
- 5+ years' experience in strategic procurement within a category management model, ideally degree educated (CIPS desirable)
- Proven experience running complex, multi-stakeholder tenders with strong commercial and quality evaluation
- Strong negotiation skills and confidence influencing within matrix organisations
- A proactive, resilient, improvement-focused mindset with a clear ambition to drive change
- Knowledge of logistics and supply chain operations, with waste industry experience highly beneficial
Why join?
- A pivotal role in a business-wide procurement transformation programme
- Real autonomy to shape strategy and drive meaningful operational and commercial improvements
At Biffa, we love working with waste. Whether we are turning it into sustainable power, finding new ways to recycle it or simply keeping it off the streets, we believe every day is an opportunity to improve the lives of millions. It is a view that is shared by our 11,000+ people around the country, who trust us to provide them with a career that is always rewarding, often challenging, but never dull. We believe different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds are key to developing a creative and effective working environment which is why you will find us championing diversity and equality at every turn.
Category Manager in England employer: Biffa Ltd
Contact Detail:
Biffa Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement and supply chain space. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Category Manager role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company’s procurement strategies and sustainability goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re someone who can drive change and improve their operations. Bring your A-game and be ready to discuss how you can add value!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Role-play with a friend or mentor to get comfortable discussing terms and conditions. As a Category Manager, you’ll need to influence stakeholders, so being confident in your negotiation tactics is key.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining us. Tailor your application to highlight your experience in strategic procurement and how you can contribute to our mission of driving sustainability and efficiency.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Category Manager role. Highlight your strategic procurement experience and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to drive change and deliver savings.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about procurement and how your proactive mindset can contribute to our transformation journey. Be specific about your past successes in managing complex tenders and building stakeholder relationships.
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills: Since negotiation is key for this role, include examples of successful negotiations you've led. Whether it's securing better terms or improving supplier quality, we want to see how you've made an impact in your previous roles.
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 shape our procurement strategy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Biffa Ltd
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific spend categories you'll be managing. Understand the current market trends, key suppliers, and any challenges faced in those areas. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare to discuss your past experiences with tendering and negotiations. Have specific examples ready that highlight your ability to drive savings while maintaining quality. Use metrics to demonstrate your success, as numbers can speak volumes about your capabilities.
✨Emphasise Your Change-Driven Mindset
The role requires someone who thrives on driving change. Be ready to share instances where you've successfully implemented new strategies or improved processes. Highlight your proactive approach and how it led to tangible results, aligning with the company's focus on innovation.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Since building strong relationships is key, think of ways to demonstrate your interpersonal skills. Prepare anecdotes that showcase your ability to collaborate with various stakeholders and navigate complex organisational structures. This will illustrate your fit for a role that requires influencing within matrix organisations.
