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 collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sourcing and supplier management while enjoying flexibility.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing or procurement, especially sourcing PCBAs is essential.
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.
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
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 development, 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 growth and long-term career opportunities.
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 an opportunity!
✨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, but the perfect fit for their team!
✨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 use online resources to sharpen those skills before your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect match for your skills. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team!
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 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. Share specific examples of your strategic sourcing successes and how you’ve built strong supplier relationships in the past.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is key for this role, make sure your written application reflects that. Keep your language clear and professional, and don’t forget to proofread for any typos or errors before hitting send!
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
✨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.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Sourcing Skills
This position involves leading strategic sourcing projects, so come ready to share specific examples of successful projects you've managed. Highlight your approach to supplier selection and how you’ve navigated complex commercial negotiations in the past.
✨Build Relationships, Even in the Interview
Demonstrate your ability to build strong relationships by engaging with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their current suppliers and how they manage those relationships. This shows you’re already thinking about collaboration and performance.
✨Prepare for Cost Modelling Questions
Since you'll be building detailed cost models and undertaking should-cost analysis, be ready to discuss your experience with these tasks. Bring examples of how you've identified cost reduction opportunities and the impact it had on your previous organisation.
