At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive cost savings and optimise procurement strategies for Eurostar's future.
- Company: Join Eurostar, a leader in sustainable rail travel across five countries.
- Benefits: Enjoy travel perks, competitive pension, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on a greener, inclusive future while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: 5-10 years in procurement with strong strategic sourcing and negotiation skills.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a vibrant team culture and diverse environment.
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). The close date for this role is 5pm on 10 February 2026. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible; Eurostar reserves the right to contact candidates before close date and to close the role earlier if suitable candidates are identified.
Requirements
- 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
Contact Detail:
Eurostar 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 your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities you might not find on job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Eurostar and its values. Show us how your skills align with our mission to create a greener future in rail travel.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience in procurement and category management can drive savings and optimise value for Eurostar.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
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 relevant experience in procurement and category management, and don’t forget to showcase your strategic sourcing skills. We want to see how you can drive 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 Eurostar and how your skills align with our mission. Be sure to mention your experience with supplier relationships and any successful projects you've led.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves tracking and analysing KPIs, make sure to include examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in your previous roles. We love candidates who can demonstrate their analytical prowess!
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We encourage you to apply through our website as soon as possible. The sooner we see your application, the better your chances of joining our passionate team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Eurostar
✨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 to discuss your experience with strategic sourcing initiatives. Bring examples of how you've successfully led sourcing projects in the past, including any market analysis you've conducted. Highlight your negotiation skills and how they've resulted in measurable savings or value for your previous employers.
✨Build Relationships, Even Virtually
Since this role involves managing supplier relationships, be ready to talk about how you build and maintain strong partnerships. Share specific instances where you've navigated challenges with suppliers or internal stakeholders, demonstrating your ability to foster collaboration and drive results.
✨Emphasise Your Analytical Prowess
The role requires excellent analytical skills, so come prepared to discuss how you've tracked and reported on KPIs in previous positions. Use concrete examples to illustrate how your analytical insights have led to continuous improvement in procurement processes or supplier performance.