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.
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 in Hatfield employer: Butler Ross Limited
Join a rapidly growing international aerospace organisation in Cheltenham as a Senior Commercial & Procurement Officer, where you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to excellence in procurement. With a strong focus on employee development, the company offers excellent career progression opportunities and a collaborative work culture that values innovation and continuous improvement. Enjoy the benefits of a competitive salary, potential for hybrid working, and the chance to make a significant impact in a key role within the procurement function.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer in Hatfield
✨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 and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that dream job. Plus, it’s a great way to show your enthusiasm for the position and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer in Hatfield
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 projects you've led. 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 passionate about this role and how your previous experiences make you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your strategic sourcing successes!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong communication is key in this role, make sure your written application reflects that. Keep it clear, concise, and professional. We love a good story, so feel free to share examples of how you've influenced stakeholders!
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 don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Butler Ross Limited
✨Know Your PCBAs Inside Out
Since sourcing PCBAs is a critical requirement for this role, make sure you brush up on your knowledge about them. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences with PCBAs, including any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
This position involves complex commercial negotiations, so it’s essential to showcase your negotiation skills. Think of specific examples where you successfully negotiated terms with suppliers or achieved significant cost savings.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
The hiring company is looking for someone who can develop and implement multi-year category strategies. Prepare to discuss how you've aligned category strategies with business objectives in the past and be ready to share your thought process.
✨Build Relationships Like a Pro
Strong supplier relationships are key to this role. Be ready to talk about how you've built and maintained relationships with suppliers, and how those relationships have positively impacted performance and collaboration.
