At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead supplier relationships and drive cost-saving strategies in procurement.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at a leading procurement consultancy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and additional perks.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on supply chain performance and sustainability.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in procurement with strong negotiation and commercial skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Consortium Professional Recruitment are pleased to be working with our client to recruit a Category Buyer / Category Manager into an established procurement function.
This is an opportunity to take ownership of supplier and category performance, helping to deliver sustainable cost improvements while building strong relationships across the supply chain.
The role can suit someone operating as an experienced Buyer who is ready for greater ownership, or an established Category Manager looking for their next challenge.
You will work closely with internal stakeholders and supply partners, using your commercial judgement to identify opportunities, manage risk and support the introduction of new products.
- The
- Opportunity:
As a Category Buyer / Category Manager you'll play a key role in: - Developing and implementing category and commodity strategies focused on best total cost and sustainable year-on-year savings.
- Working collaboratively with existing and new suppliers to deliver strategic projects, improve commercial performance and strengthen service levels.
- Sourcing and approving new suppliers, while supporting new product introductions alongside quality and other internal teams.
- Managing supplier relationships, leading regular reviews and identifying opportunities to improve performance across the supply chain.
- Assessing supplier and category risks, developing practical contingency plans and helping resolve supply chain challenges.
- Your work will directly contribute to cost reduction, supplier performance, supply chain resilience and the successful delivery of wider business objectives.
- About
You: We're looking for someone who can bring
- At least three years' experience within procurement, ideally gained within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
- Strong commercial and negotiation skills, with experience delivering measurable cost savings and supplier improvements.
- Confidence managing supplier relationships and working collaboratively with stakeholders across different business functions and levels.
- An understanding of category or commodity strategy, supplier risk, cost management and continuous improvement.
- Good IT skills, with experience of MRP systems and processes beneficial.
- A CIPS qualification, or progress towards one, would be advantageous but is not essential.
- You will be commercially aware, organised and comfortable balancing priorities in a target-driven environment.
- You will also bring an analytical approach, clear communication style and the confidence to influence others while developing positive, long-term supplier partnerships.
- The Benefits and
Package: In return, you'll enjoy
- £35,000 to £45,000 depending on experience and level.
- Flexible working
- Additional Benefits & perks How to
Apply: This exciting Category Buyer / Category Manager opportunity is being managed by Consortium Professional Recruitment, a trusted recruitment partner.
If you're ready to take the next step in your career, we'd love to hear from you.
Please apply with your CV attached.
Consortium Professional Recruitment Ltd are a professional level recruitment consultancy specialising in the delivery of high relevance recruitment services on behalf of our clients across the UK.
We regularly receive large responses to our advertising which can make providing individual feedback to every applicant challenging.
If you haven't received a reply from us within 14 days of your application, we regret to say your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
We have a policy of retaining your details for future vacancies unless you request otherwise.
To learn more about our services, please visit consortiumrecruitment. co. uk
Category Buyer/Manager in Birmingham employer: Consortium Professional Recruitment
As an Executive Assistant to Leadership at this esteemed professional services organisation, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that values collaboration and innovation. The company offers exceptional employee growth opportunities, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive environment that encourages professional development, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
Consortium Professional Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer/Manager in Birmingham
✨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 Consortium Professional Recruitment.
✨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 Category Buyer/Manager in Birmingham
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 Consortium Professional Recruitment:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Consortium Professional Recruitment. 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 Consortium Professional Recruitment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Consortium Professional Recruitment
✨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 Consortium Professional Recruitment!
✨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 Consortium Professional Recruitment. 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 Consortium Professional Recruitment's culture.