At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and deliver savings for top UK brands.
- Company: Dynamic procurement solutions business with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, excellent career progression, and exposure to large-scale projects.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with innovative tools and creative problem-solving.
- Why this job: Join a growing team and make a real impact in diverse industries.
- Qualifications: 3-7 years of procurement experience and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
This role is hybrid with 3 days per week in Leamington Spa office. We are currently working exclusively with a leading procurement solutions business in the recruitment of a number of Procurement Category Leaders. We are particularly interested in the below categories but also open to transferable backgrounds:
- Indirects
- Food & Beverages
- FM & Property
Candidates could be subject matter experts in any of the above categories or also be broader generalist procurement specialists with some exposure to any of these categories. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team of Procurement Management Specialists that deliver auditable and sustainable cost base reduction to clients in a variety of industries.
The role will provide you with the opportunity to work with some of the UK's biggest brands across multiple different industries and categories and give you exposure to a variety of exciting large scale procurement transformation programmes. As part of ambitious growth plans across their UK & US offices, this is a great opportunity to join a growing PE backed business with excellent career progression prospects.
Key Responsibilities:
- Interact with key stakeholders and analyse data to create category management approaches
- Advise and agree on the procurement strategy for high spend categories
- Deliver measurable savings through hands-on category management including undertaking tenders, negotiations and auctions
- Influence stakeholders to secure agreement to proposed solutions
- Use of leading edge tools and processes and creative thinking to design solutions which deliver rapid cost savings and improvements in performance
- Sourcing suppliers from the UK and Worldwide to meet needs
Skills & Experience:
- Ideally 3-7 years’ procurement experience in a major UK or international company
- A successful track record in managing and influencing senior stakeholders
- Strong track record of savings delivery within a high spend environment
- Keen commercial business sense
- Excellent communications skills, both written and verbal
- Strong academic (graduate) background and have an agile approach to challenges.
Category/Purchasing Manager (Permanent) employer: Elite Search Solutions
Contact Detail:
Elite Search Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category/Purchasing Manager (Permanent)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field and let them know you're on the hunt for a Category/Purchasing Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Familiarise yourself with their key categories, like Indirects and Food & Beverages, so you can speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your savings delivery success stories! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've influenced stakeholders and delivered measurable savings in previous roles. This will demonstrate your value as a procurement specialist.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can give you a better chance of landing that dream job in procurement.
We think you need these skills to ace Category/Purchasing Manager (Permanent)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Category/Purchasing Manager. Highlight your relevant experience in procurement, especially in the categories mentioned like Indirects or Food & Beverages. We want to see how your background aligns 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 procurement and how your skills can benefit our dynamic team. Don’t forget to mention any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to deliver savings and influence stakeholders.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, make sure your written application reflects that. Keep your language clear and concise, and don’t shy away from showing a bit of personality. We love candidates who can communicate effectively and engage with others!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Elite Search Solutions
✨Know Your Categories
Make sure you brush up on the specific categories mentioned in the job description, like Indirects, Food & Beverages, and FM & Property. Being able to discuss your experience or knowledge in these areas will show that you're not just a generalist but someone who understands the nuances of the role.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and influenced senior stakeholders in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, as this will help you clearly demonstrate your impact and effectiveness in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Savings Track Record
Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've delivered measurable savings in a high spend environment. Quantify your achievements with numbers and percentages to make your contributions more tangible and impressive.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since excellent communication skills are crucial for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend or using video tools to refine your delivery and ensure you come across as both professional and personable.