At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and drive strategic sourcing activities across critical supply categories.
- Company: Leading global manufacturing organisation with a flexible hybrid working culture.
- Benefits: Up to £50k salary, hybrid work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on innovation and supplier collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while enjoying a flexible work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing or category management, especially sourcing PCBAs.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
A leading global manufacturing organisation is looking to appoint an experienced Category Manager to join its team based in Hatfield. Offering a flexible hybrid working arrangement of up to two days per week from home, this is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in shaping and driving strategic sourcing activities across critical supply categories.
The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and executing category strategies, leading commercial activities, and driving long-term supplier performance across key areas including PCBAs and electrical and mechanical assemblies. Previous experience sourcing PCBAs is essential and will be a critical requirement for this position.
Key Responsibilities- Develop, implement, and manage multi-year category strategies aligned to business objectives and future growth plans.
- Lead strategic sourcing projects, including supplier selection, competitive tenders, and complex commercial negotiations.
- Build detailed cost models, undertake should-cost analysis, and identify long-term cost reduction opportunities.
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to drive collaboration and performance.
- Lead supplier development initiatives focused on quality improvements, delivery performance, process capability, and operational efficiency.
- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including reducing single-source dependencies through dual-sourcing and alternative supply strategies.
- Support new product introduction and production implementation activities, ensuring effective supplier engagement throughout the process.
- Proven experience in a purchasing, procurement, or category management role within a manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrable experience sourcing PCBAs is essential.
- Strong understanding of supplier management, strategic sourcing, and commercial negotiations.
- Experience working with MRP systems.
- Confident communicator with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Significant experience managing end-to-end new product introduction and production implementation activities.
Salary Up to £50k. This position offers hybrid working with 2 days per week from home. This role will be well suited to you if you have held a role within purchasing or procurement as a buyer, sourcing specialist, commodity manager, category manager or senior buyer.
Category Buyer employer: Butler Ross Limited
Join a leading global manufacturing organisation in Hatfield, where you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that values innovation and collaboration. With flexible hybrid working arrangements and a commitment to employee growth, this role as a Category Buyer offers you the chance to make a significant impact on strategic sourcing while enjoying a supportive environment that fosters professional development and strong supplier relationships.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Category Buyer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its supply chain strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience with PCBAs can add value to their operations. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Buyer, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to lead complex commercial negotiations. Role-play with a friend or mentor to build your confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to show your enthusiasm for joining our team at StudySmarter!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Buyer role. Highlight your experience with PCBAs and any relevant procurement or category management roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this position. Mention specific examples of your strategic sourcing projects and how you've built strong supplier relationships in the past.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent verbal and written communication skills are key for this role, make sure your application reflects that. Keep your language clear and professional, and don’t forget to proofread for any typos or errors!
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Butler Ross Limited
✨Know Your PCBAs Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of PCBAs before the interview. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences sourcing them, including any challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the product but also have hands-on experience.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Since this role involves complex commercial negotiations, prepare some examples of successful negotiations you've led in the past. Think about the strategies you used and the outcomes achieved. This will demonstrate your capability in driving long-term supplier performance.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Be prepared to discuss how you would develop and implement category strategies aligned with business objectives. Think about specific examples where you’ve successfully executed similar strategies in the past, and be ready to share your thought process.
✨Build Rapport with Your Interviewers
Remember, communication is key! Practice building rapport by engaging with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their current supply chain challenges or future growth plans. This shows your interest in the role and helps you stand out as a confident communicator.
