At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy and build strong supplier partnerships for product categories.
- Company: Fane Valley Stores, Northern Ireland's top supplier of agricultural products.
- Benefits: Attractive pay, healthcare plan, pension, and health & well-being initiatives.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape product ranges and drive commercial excellence in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Third level qualification in relevant fields and 5 years' experience in sales or procurement.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
With 18 branches, a strong online trading platform and centralised warehousing and distribution facilities, Fane Valley Stores is Northern Ireland's leading supplier of animal health and agricultural products to farmers and the rural community. Our aim is to exceed the expectations of our customers. This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially driven Category Manager to join our Procurement team at our Head Office in Moira. This role offers the chance to influence product strategy, build strong supplier partnerships and deliver commercial excellence.
About the Role:
As a key member of the Stores Procurement team, the Category Manager will lead the full procurement strategy for a defined portfolio of product categories. This role plays a pivotal part in shaping product ranges, building and managing strategic supplier partnerships, driving commercial negotiations and providing informed guidance on stocking levels to support the Purchasing team and overall business performance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Build strong relationships with internal teams and key suppliers to support efficient procurement.
- Manage supplier negotiations and procurement for an assigned product portfolio.
- Develop and maintain product ranges, pricing and stock levels to maximise availability and sales.
- Plan and deliver seasonal promotions, including marketing, stock planning and store engagement.
- Monitor market trends and benchmark pricing to ensure competitiveness.
- Prepare category performance reports and present updates to management and store teams.
- Support online product listings and ensure effective delivery performance of the e-commerce platform.
- Assist in system improvements, reporting and budget performance tracking.
- Comply with company policies, health & safety requirements and participate in relevant training.
The Person:
The successful candidate will ideally have a third level qualification in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Agriculture or a business-related discipline. A minimum of 5 years' sales or procurement experience. Self-motivated team player who can work independently and collaboratively. Proven negotiation skills with the ability to build and sustain strong business relationships. Strong IT and analytical skills, with proficiency in Excel, experience in data analysis and reporting and knowledge of procurement software and ERP systems. Excellent verbal and written communicator, able to engage stakeholders at all levels effectively. Experience of working within retail or agri-retail sector would be an advantage as would a farming background and excellent presentation skills.
In return, the company offers an attractive rate of pay and benefits package which includes Healthcare Plan for employees and their children under 18, Company Pension & Life Assurance, Health & Well-Being strategy which incorporates a range of ongoing initiatives and programmes.
Closing date for receipt of completed applications is 5.00pm Monday 3rd August 2026. Fane Valley Stores is an equal opportunities employer. To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page.
Category Manager in Craigavon employer: Fane Valley Cooperative Society Ltd
As a Maintenance Team Leader at our company, you will thrive in a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With access to comprehensive healthcare plans, a robust pension scheme, and a commitment to continuous improvement, we empower our team to excel in their roles while ensuring a safe and efficient working environment. Join us in a location that values innovation and teamwork, where your contributions directly impact our success.
Contact Details:
Fane Valley Cooperative Society Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Craigavon
✨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 Fane Valley Cooperative Society Ltd.
✨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 Manager in Craigavon
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 Fane Valley Cooperative Society Ltd:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Fane Valley Cooperative Society Ltd. 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 Fane Valley Cooperative Society Ltd.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fane Valley Cooperative Society Ltd
✨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 Fane Valley Cooperative Society Ltd!
✨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 Fane Valley Cooperative Society Ltd. 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 Fane Valley Cooperative Society Ltd's culture.
