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- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and negotiate deals to provide schools with top-notch resources.
- Company: KCS Education is a leading supplier of educational resources, rapidly expanding across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work, 25 days annual leave, birthday off, and discounts on retail and gym memberships.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team that impacts education while developing your career in a collaborative culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying or procurement, strong negotiation skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office required.
- Other info: Join a purpose-driven company with a commitment to social value and inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 32000 £ per year.
Location: Remote with monthly travel to local office
Salary/package: £29,000
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: Full time
We’re looking for a commercially driven, detail-focused Category Buyer to join the growing KCS Education team, part of Commercial Services Group (CSG). In this key role, you’ll manage product ranges and supplier relationships to ensure schools across the UK get access to high-quality, cost-effective educational resources. If you enjoy negotiation, working with suppliers, and shaping product strategy — this role is for you.
Who we are
KCS is the leading supplier of education resources in the South East and is rapidly expanding across the UK. With over £25M in annual turnover, we support schools with everything from stationery to specialist equipment, all backed by outstanding customer service and procurement expertise.
Commercial Services Group (CSG) is the UK’s largest local authority-owned trading company, with 1,800+ employees and operations in over 86 countries. With 33 trading businesses, CSG offers innovative services in education, energy, HR, legal, and procurement, delivering real value to public and private sector customers.
Why this role matters
As a Category Buyer, you’ll be central to our mission of providing schools with the best products at the best value. You’ll be responsible for sourcing new items, managing supplier performance, negotiating commercial terms, and maintaining a market-leading range. Your contribution will help drive growth, improve margins, and ensure customer satisfaction in the education sector.
What you’ll be doing
- Managing supplier relationships and commercial agreements to maximise value
- Sourcing and reviewing products to ensure a competitive and customer-led range
- Leading cost negotiations and agreeing terms including pricing, rebates, and marketing contributions
- Using data and market trends to inform range development and pricing strategy
- Onboarding new products and maintaining accurate product and supplier data
- Supporting marketing and sales teams with promotional campaigns and product knowledge
- Monitoring supplier performance through KPIs including availability, revenue, and compliance
- Collaborating with internal teams including inventory, procurement, finance, and customer services
What we’re looking for
- Previous experience in a buying, sourcing, or procurement role
- Strong negotiation skills and commercial awareness
- Excellent organisation and attention to detail
- Confidence working with suppliers and internal teams across functions
- Ability to manage multiple projects and product lifecycles simultaneously
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
- Knowledge of the education market or public sector frameworks (desirable)
What you’ll get in return
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- An additional day off for your birthday
- Access to retail and gym membership discount schemes
- Life assurance and health cash plan
- A collaborative, growth-oriented work culture
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression
Why CSG?
With over £800 million in annual revenue and consistent growth of 25% year-on-year, CSG is a purpose-driven business delivering commercial services with social value. To date, we’ve returned over £77 million to the public sector. When you join CSG, you’re part of something bigger driving impact while building a meaningful career.
Inclusion & Accessibility
We’re committed to creating an inclusive, accessible workplace where everyone is supported to succeed. If you need adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know — we’re here to help.
Category Buyer employer: Commercial Services
Contact Detail:
Commercial Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the education market and current trends. Understanding what schools need and the types of products that are in demand will give you an edge in discussions and negotiations.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your negotiation skills. Since this role involves leading cost negotiations, practice your techniques and strategies to ensure you can secure the best deals for the company.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the procurement and education sectors. Building relationships can provide insights into supplier performance and market dynamics, which are crucial for a Category Buyer.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your organisational skills by preparing examples of how you've managed multiple projects or product lifecycles in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the demands of the role effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in buying, sourcing, or procurement roles. Emphasise your negotiation skills and any experience you have with supplier relationships, as these are key for the Category Buyer position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your commercial awareness and attention to detail. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships or negotiated terms in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and any knowledge of the education market or public sector frameworks. This will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Showcase Your Achievements: Include quantifiable achievements in your application, such as cost savings from negotiations or successful product launches. This will help illustrate your impact in previous positions and align with the goals of the Category Buyer role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Commercial Services
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
As a Category Buyer, negotiation is key. Prepare examples of past negotiations you've successfully handled, highlighting your strategies and outcomes. This will demonstrate your ability to secure the best deals for the company.
✨Understand the Education Market
Familiarise yourself with current trends in the education sector. Being knowledgeable about the market will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you are genuinely interested in the role and its impact on schools.
✨Highlight Your Attention to Detail
This role requires excellent organisation and attention to detail. Be ready to discuss how you manage multiple projects and ensure accuracy in your work. Providing specific examples will help illustrate your capabilities.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Engage with your interviewers by preparing thoughtful questions about the company's goals, challenges, and team dynamics. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
