At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage diverse categories like IT, Telecoms, and Office Supplies.
- Company: Join a well-established organisation focused on procurement excellence and digital transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for career development.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with exposure to high-value procurement projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on business performance and drive supplier innovation.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in Category Management with strong analytical and negotiation skills.
An established business is seeking a Category Manager to join its Central Procurement team, taking ownership of a diverse portfolio of indirect spend including IT, Telecoms, Fleet, PPE & Workwear, Office Supplies, and Print Services. This is an exciting remote opportunity to influence sourcing strategy, deliver commercial value, and build strategic supplier partnerships across a national organisation. If you're passionate about procurement, supplier performance, and driving measurable business improvements, this role offers the chance to make a real impact.
The Role
- Develop and implement long-term category strategies that align with business objectives.
- Manage a portfolio of indirect procurement categories including IT, telecoms, fleet, office services, PPE/workwear and print solutions.
- Analyse spend, supplier performance and market trends to identify cost-saving and value creation opportunities.
- Lead sourcing activities including RFQs, RFPs, contract renewals and supplier onboarding.
- Negotiate commercial agreements, pricing and supplier frameworks to maximise value across the business.
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to support operational requirements, business development and mobilisation projects.
- Monitor supplier performance, manage governance processes and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Identify procurement risks while ensuring compliance with company policies, sustainability objectives and ESG requirements.
- Produce category performance reporting and use data-driven insights to inform strategic decision-making.
You
- A minimum of 5 years' experience in Category Management or Senior Procurement.
- Experience managing indirect procurement categories such as IT, Fleet, Telecoms, Office Services or Workplace Solutions.
- A proven track record of delivering commercial value, cost savings and supplier performance improvements.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret spend data and market intelligence.
- Excellent negotiation, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience managing supplier relationships, contracts and procurement frameworks.
- Knowledge of UK commercial contracts and procurement best practice.
- CIPS Level 5 (or equivalent) is desirable, or you'll be working towards a professional procurement qualification.
What's in it for you?
- Join a well-established organisation that continues to invest in procurement excellence, digital transformation and strategic sourcing.
- You’ll become part of a collaborative procurement function where your expertise will directly influence business performance across a nationally recognised Facilities Management operation.
- This role offers:
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Hybrid working (London office 1–2 days per week).
- Exposure to high-value, business-critical procurement categories.
- Opportunities to lead strategic sourcing projects and supplier innovation.
- A collaborative culture focused on continuous improvement and career development.
Apply Now!
If you’re an experienced Category Manager, Senior Procurement Manager, Strategic Sourcing Manager, or Indirect Procurement Manager looking for your next opportunity, we’d love to hear from you. Click 'Apply Now' and send your CV to Olivia Blake or George Davis. Interviews are taking place now, so don’t miss your opportunity to join a market-leading Facilities Management organisation.
Category Manager in Birmingham employer: Boden Group
Join a well-established organisation that prioritises procurement excellence and digital transformation, offering a collaborative culture where your expertise as a Category Manager will directly influence business performance. With competitive salaries, hybrid working options, and opportunities for career development, this role allows you to lead strategic sourcing projects and drive supplier innovation within a nationally recognised Facilities Management operation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Birmingham
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Boden Group.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Boden Group:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Boden Group. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Boden Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at Boden Group
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Boden Group!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Boden Group. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Boden Group's culture.
