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- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and drive change in supply chain operations.
- Company: Join Biffa, a purpose-driven organisation transforming waste management.
- Benefits: Enjoy autonomy, career development, and a supportive, inclusive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability and operational excellence.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in strategic procurement with strong negotiation skills.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence procurement processes and work with senior stakeholders.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
The role
As Category Manager, you will take ownership of key spend categories, shaping multi-year strategies that drive cost efficiency, resilience, sustainability and service excellence.
Key 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.
What do I need to be successful?
- 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
- Exposure to senior stakeholders and complex, high-value categories
- Long-term career development within a major, purpose-driven organisation
- Supportive, inclusive culture that values fresh thinking and continuous improvement
About Biffa
Biffa – we are changing the way people think about waste. At Biffa, we love working with waste. Whether we are returning 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 High Wycombe employer: Biffa Waste Services
Contact Detail:
Biffa Waste Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in High Wycombe
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Category Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. We want you to show off your knowledge about their operations and how you can drive change in their supply chain!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate strong commercial acumen. We suggest role-playing scenarios with friends or mentors to build your confidence.
✨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 about joining our team at Biffa.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in High Wycombe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Category Manager. Highlight your experience in strategic procurement and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to drive change and improve supply chains.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex tenders or driven cost efficiencies in previous positions.
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills: Since negotiation is key in this role, include examples in your application that demonstrate your strong negotiation skills and how you've influenced outcomes in matrix organisations.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Biffa Waste Services
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific categories you'll be managing. Understand the market trends, key suppliers, and potential challenges. 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 negotiation experiences. Bring examples of how you've successfully navigated complex tenders and influenced stakeholders. Practising your pitch can help you articulate your strategies clearly and confidently during the interview.
✨Demonstrate a Proactive Mindset
Highlight instances where you've driven change or improved processes in previous roles. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges and delivered results. This will align perfectly with the company's focus on innovation and improvement.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Think about how you can establish strong relationships with various stakeholders. Prepare to discuss your approach to collaboration and communication. Showing that you value teamwork and can navigate matrix organisations will resonate well with the interviewers.
