Category Manager in High Wycombe

Category Manager in High Wycombe

High Wycombe Full-Time 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and drive cost efficiency in a dynamic environment.
  • Company: Join Biffa, a purpose-driven organisation transforming waste management.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid role with car allowance and long-term career development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability and operational improvements.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in strategic procurement with strong negotiation skills.
  • Other info: Be part of a supportive culture that values fresh thinking and diversity.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.

Are you an ambitious, commercially minded procurement professional who thrives on driving change and building high-performing supply chains? We’re 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’ll 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’ll 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’re changing the way people think about waste. At Biffa, we love working with waste. Whether we’re 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’s a view that’s shared by our 11,000+ people around the country, who trust us to provide them with a career that’s 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’ll find us championing diversity and equality at every turn.

Category Manager in High Wycombe employer: Biffa

Biffa is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and sustainability within the waste management sector. As a Category Manager, you will enjoy a supportive and inclusive culture that values fresh thinking, with genuine opportunities for career development and the autonomy to shape procurement strategies that drive meaningful change. Join a purpose-driven organisation where your contributions will have a lasting impact on both the business and the environment.
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Contact Detail:

Biffa 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 interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. We want you to show off your knowledge about Biffa and how you can contribute to their transformation journey. Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they align with their goals!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate strong negotiation abilities. We suggest role-playing with a friend or mentor to refine your approach and boost your confidence before those big discussions.

✨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 on board!

We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in High Wycombe

Strategic Procurement
Category Management
Tendering
Negotiation Skills
Stakeholder Management
Cost Efficiency
Supplier Quality Improvement
Sustainability Knowledge
Logistics and Supply Chain Operations
Commercial Evaluation
Change Management
Resilience
Influencing Skills
Continuous Improvement

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 built strong supplier relationships, and don’t forget to mention your proactive mindset!

Showcase Your Negotiation Skills: Since negotiation is key in this role, include examples of successful negotiations you've led. We want to see how you’ve influenced outcomes and delivered value through your negotiation prowess.

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 in our procurement transformation journey!

How to prepare for a job interview at Biffa

✨Know Your Categories Inside Out

Before the interview, dive deep into the specific categories you'll be managing. Understand the current market trends, key suppliers, and any challenges faced in those areas. This will not only show your expertise but also your genuine interest in the role.

✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills

Prepare examples of past negotiations where you achieved significant savings or improved supplier performance. Be ready to discuss your approach and the strategies you used to influence stakeholders effectively.

✨Demonstrate a Proactive Mindset

Think of instances where you've driven change or improved processes in previous roles. Highlight your ability to challenge the status quo and how your initiatives led to tangible results, especially in procurement or supply chain contexts.

✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders

Since this role involves managing relationships across various levels, practice how you'll engage with different stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated with teams in the past and how you plan to build strong relationships at Biffa.

Category Manager in High Wycombe
Biffa
Location: High Wycombe

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