At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category strategies and drive sustainable value through strategic sourcing and supplier management.
- Company: Briggs Equipment Group, a top provider of asset management solutions in the UK and Ireland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company vehicle, pension scheme, profit share bonus, and health benefits.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities with ongoing training and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising procurement strategies and championing sustainability initiatives.
- Qualifications: Experience in category strategy development and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 56059 - 68517 £ per year.
The Opportunity:
Group Category Manager
Contract: Permanent
Location: Cannock
The Briggs Equipment Group is a leading provider of asset management and maintenance solutions across the UK and Ireland. If you don't feel like you meet all of the role criteria outlined below please don't let that discourage you from applying.
As Group Category Manager, I will lead the development and execution of Group-wide category strategies that deliver sustainable cost savings, ensuring procurement activities are aligned with business objectives, risk management priorities, and ESG commitments. I will drive sustainable value through strategic sourcing, supplier optimisation, supplier relationship management, commercial optimisation, and the identification of innovative solutions that support long-term business success. Through robust contract management, performance frameworks, and effective stakeholder engagement, I will strengthen governance, enhance compliance, and deliver measurable commercial and operational improvements across the organisation.
The Impact you will have:
- Develop, own and execute category strategies across assigned spend areas, ensuring alignment with Group objectives, operational requirements, risk appetite, and procurement priorities.
- Deliver measurable commercial value through agreed cost reduction, cost avoidance, and value creation initiatives, leveraging strategic sourcing, demand management, and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) methodologies.
- Build trusted relationships with key stakeholders across the Group, influencing decision-making, challenging requirements where appropriate, and driving adoption of procurement strategies and best practice.
- Lead complex sourcing projects and commercial negotiations, securing competitive, sustainable, and risk-managed supplier agreements that maximise value from Group purchasing activity.
- Own the end-to-end contract lifecycle, ensuring robust commercial governance through effective contract management, service level agreements (SLAs), performance measures (KPIs), and risk controls.
- Ensure full compliance with procurement policies, regulatory requirements, competition law, ethical sourcing standards, and Group governance frameworks.
- Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate supplier risks, including financial, operational, cyber security, sustainability, and reputational risks, to protect business continuity and supply resilience.
- Champion ESG and responsible sourcing principles, embedding sustainability considerations into procurement decisions and supporting the Group's environmental, social, and governance objectives.
- Conduct market analysis, supplier benchmarking, and innovation reviews to identify emerging trends, unlock efficiencies, and create competitive advantage across assigned categories.
- Utilise procurement systems, digital tools, and data analytics to enhance sourcing effectiveness, improve supplier performance management, and support evidence-based decision-making.
- Drive continuous improvement of procurement policies, processes, and governance frameworks, ensuring consistency, compliance, and operational excellence across the Group.
- Lead, coach, and develop the Assistant Category Manager, fostering a high-performance culture, building procurement capability, and ensuring successful delivery of category objectives and strategic initiatives.
What will help you to excel in this role:
- Proven track record of developing and implementing category strategies within complex, multi-site organisations, delivering measurable commercial, operational, and service improvements.
- Highly effective at influencing and challenging stakeholders at all levels, driving informed commercial decision-making and securing alignment on strategic procurement initiatives.
- Demonstrated history of delivering significant cost savings, cost avoidance, and value creation through strategic sourcing, supplier optimisation, and commercial negotiations.
- Strong contract drafting, negotiation, and contract management expertise, with a focus on balancing commercial value, service performance, and risk mitigation.
- Advanced analytical and commercial capability, with extensive experience in spend analysis, Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) modelling, market benchmarking, business case development, and data-driven decision-making.
What you can expect from us:
- Competitive salary package, with a negotiable base salary dependent on skills, experience, and expertise.
- Company Vehicle Management bonus.
- Excellent career development opportunities, with access to ongoing training, professional development, and clear pathways for progression across the Group.
- Contributory pension scheme, with employer contributions of up to 6% to help support your long-term financial wellbeing.
- Profit Share Bonus Scheme, rewarding employees for contributing to the success and performance of the business.
- Paycare healthcare and eyecare benefits, providing support for everyday health and wellbeing needs.
- Access to a range of retail and lifestyle discounts, offering savings across major high street brands, leisure providers, and online retailers.
What's next:
If you are interested in joining the Briggs Group then please click on the apply now button and a member of the team will be in touch. Not sure if this is the right role for you? Please feel free to visit the careers page on our website and send us your CV speculatively for a member of the team to review. If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the interview process, then please contact a member of the Recruitment team and inform them prior to attending so we can ensure these are met.
Group Category Manager employer: Briggs Equipment Ltd
Revived Equipment, part of the Briggs Equipment Group, is an exceptional employer located in East Kilbride, Scotland, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, comprehensive training programmes, and ample opportunities for career advancement within a supportive culture that values teamwork and personal growth. Join us to be part of a leading provider in the industry, where your contributions are recognised and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Category Manager
✨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 Briggs Equipment Ltd.
✨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 Group Category Manager
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 Briggs Equipment Ltd:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Briggs Equipment Ltd. 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 Briggs Equipment Ltd.
How to prepare for a job interview at Briggs Equipment Ltd
✨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 Briggs Equipment Ltd!
✨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 Briggs Equipment Ltd. 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 Briggs Equipment Ltd's culture.
