At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive cost savings and optimise procurement categories for Eurostar's future.
- Company: Join Eurostar, a leader in sustainable rail travel across five countries.
- Benefits: Enjoy travel discounts, competitive pension, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team making a real impact on greener travel.
- Qualifications: 5-10 years in procurement with strong strategic sourcing and negotiation skills.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a vibrant, diverse team culture.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
At Eurostar, we’re fuelling the future of rail travel – operating in five countries and sparking new opportunities for travellers. But our trains connect much more than just people and places. They’re helping us build a greener, more inclusive future for everyone. Join us and you’ll be part of a passionate team which always goes the extra mile.
An exciting opportunity awaits you as Category Manager in our Finance, Strategy and Transformation team. The Category Manager contributes to the overall efficiency and success of the Procurement department and Eurostar Group by driving savings within assigned categories and optimising value through total cost of ownership. This position is pivotal in recommending and leading strategic sourcing activities, thereby aligning with the department's roadmap and achieving the company's commercial and financial objectives. This permanent position can be based in either our London or Brussels office, with hybrid working (expectation to be in the office 2 days per week).
We’re looking for someone to:
- Drive cost savings and optimise total cost of ownership across assigned procurement categories
- Lead strategic sourcing initiatives, supported by robust market analysis and insight‑led recommendations
- Build and manage strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure performance, value and reliability
- Partner with internal stakeholders to deliver value‑added outcomes while adhering to procurement policy and governance
- Execute the Procurement roadmap for assigned categories, aligned with Eurostar’s commercial, financial and risk objectives
- Track, analyse and report key category and supplier performance KPIs, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement
- Contribute to supplier performance and improvement initiatives for major and strategic suppliers
- Promote sustainable and ethical procurement practices, ensuring supplier compliance with Eurostar standards
You’ll need…
- A relevant degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business, Engineering or similar, with 5–10 years’ procurement experience and 2–5 years in category management (e.g. maintenance, logistics, spare parts, professional services)
- Fluent English and French (spoken and written) – essential, with strong IT skills including Microsoft Office, ERP systems and e‑tendering tools
- Strong strategic sourcing, category management and negotiation expertise, including RFQ/RFP processes, private sector tendering and P2P workflows
- Proven ability to drive savings, optimise total cost of ownership and deliver measurable commercial value
- Advanced stakeholder, supplier and customer relationship management skills, with confidence to challenge senior stakeholders constructively
- Excellent analytical, financial, project management and communication skills, thriving in a matrix and change‑driven environment.
Benefits:
- Travel benefits that can be used for both work and play including 75% off underground network from Day 1
- Competitive defined benefit pension scheme
- Free Eurostar tickets
- Discounted Eurostar tickets for friends and family
- Ongoing training and development
- Lots of other exclusive deals, discounts and perks
If you think you’ve got what it takes to help us make Eurostar bigger and better than ever before then we’d love to hear from you. At Eurostar we believe in giving everyone an equal chance. We actively encourage applications from talented individuals regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or belief, marital status, whether you’re pregnant or on maternity leave. Your individuality is your strength, and we want a diverse team that reflects the world we live in.
Category Manager - Rolling Stock employer: Eurostar International
Contact Detail:
Eurostar International Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Rolling Stock
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with Eurostar employees on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Eurostar's values and recent projects. Show us you’re not just a fit for the role but also for our culture. Tailor your answers to reflect how you can contribute to our mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to drive savings and optimise costs. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining the Eurostar team.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Rolling Stock
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your procurement experience and any relevant achievements that align with Eurostar's goals. We want to see how you can drive cost savings and optimise value!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your skills match what we're looking for. Don’t forget to mention your experience in strategic sourcing and relationship management.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves tracking and analysing KPIs, make sure to highlight your analytical skills in your application. Share examples of how you've used data to drive decisions and improve supplier performance in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Eurostar International
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific procurement categories you'll be managing. Understand the market trends, key suppliers, and potential cost-saving opportunities. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're proactive and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Sourcing Skills
Prepare examples of past strategic sourcing initiatives you've led. Be ready to discuss how you conducted market analysis, developed insights, and made recommendations that drove savings. Highlight your negotiation expertise and any successful RFQ/RFP processes you've managed.
✨Build Relationships Virtually
Since this role involves managing supplier relationships, think about how you can demonstrate your relationship-building skills. Share experiences where you’ve successfully collaborated with stakeholders or suppliers, especially in a hybrid working environment. This will show your adaptability and people skills.
✨Emphasise Sustainability and Ethics
Eurostar values sustainable and ethical procurement practices, so come prepared to discuss how you've promoted these in your previous roles. Share specific examples of how you've ensured supplier compliance with standards and contributed to sustainability initiatives. This will align your values with those of the company.