Category Manager in England

Category Manager in England

England Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive cost savings and optimise procurement categories for Eurostar's success.
  • Company: Join Eurostar, a leader in sustainable rail travel across five countries.
  • Benefits: Enjoy travel discounts, competitive pension, free tickets, and ongoing training.
  • Why this job: Be part of a passionate team making a real impact on the future of travel.
  • Qualifications: 5-10 years in procurement with strong strategic sourcing and negotiation skills.
  • Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth and development.

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.

Our stages for this recruitment process will include phone screening and a two-stage interview process.

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 in England employer: Eurostar International

At Eurostar, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions sustainability and inclusivity. As a Category Manager, you'll enjoy competitive benefits including travel discounts, a defined benefit pension scheme, and ongoing training opportunities, all while working in a dynamic environment that values your contributions and fosters professional growth. Join us in London or Brussels and be part of a passionate team dedicated to shaping the future of rail travel.
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Contact Detail:

Eurostar International Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Category Manager in England

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching Eurostar's values and recent projects. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around sustainability and efficiency.

✨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 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 you're serious about joining the Eurostar team.

We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in England

Strategic Sourcing
Category Management
Negotiation Skills
Market Analysis
Supplier Relationship Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Cost Savings Optimisation
Total Cost of Ownership
KPI Tracking and Reporting
Project Management
Analytical Skills
Communication Skills
Fluent English and French
IT Skills including Microsoft Office and ERP Systems
E-tendering Tools

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in procurement and category management, and don’t forget to showcase those strategic sourcing skills that Eurostar is after!

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 background aligns with Eurostar’s mission. Be sure to mention your fluency in English and French, as it’s essential for this position.

Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements. Did you drive significant cost savings or improve supplier relationships? Quantify your successes to make a strong impression on the hiring team.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows you’re serious about joining the Eurostar team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Eurostar International

✨Know Your Categories Inside Out

Before the interview, dive deep into the specific 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. Highlighting your negotiation expertise and successful RFQ/RFP processes will demonstrate your capability in this role.

✨Build Relationships Virtually

Since the role involves managing supplier relationships, think about how you can convey your relationship management skills during the interview. Share stories of how you've built strong partnerships with suppliers and internal stakeholders, even 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 be prepared to discuss how you've promoted these in your previous roles. Bring 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.

Category Manager in England
Eurostar International
Location: England
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