Category Manager - Indirects in Sutton Coldfield

Category Manager - Indirects in Sutton Coldfield

Sutton Coldfield Full-Time 25200 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead procurement strategies for Facilities and Engineering, driving improvements and managing supplier relationships.
  • Company: Join a growing UK organisation focused on people and collaboration.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, pension, and ongoing training.
  • Why this job: Take ownership of categories and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in Facilities Management or Engineering procurement and strong analytical skills.
  • Other info: Embrace a culture that values inclusivity and personal development.

The predicted salary is between 25200 - 42000 £ per year.

Making sure you fit the guidelines as an applicant for this role is essential, please read the below carefully.

Are you a Senior Buyer or Category Manager looking for greater ownership, autonomy, and the chance to genuinely shape how procurement operates? This newly created role offers the opportunity to take full responsibility for Facilities, Engineering and wider Indirect categories within a growing UK organisation.

If you enjoy running your own categories end‑to‑end, improving supplier performance and spinning plenty of plates in a fast‑paced, multi‑site environment, this could be an excellent next step.

The Role

As the Category Manager you will be the go‑to specialist for Facilities & Engineering procurement, with scope extending across broader indirect spend. You will build category strategies from the ground up and drive meaningful improvements across a business that is only just beginning its strategic procurement journey.

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Developing and leading category strategies
  • Running RFIs, RFQs and full tender exercises
  • Negotiating and implementing supplier agreements
  • Consolidating and sourcing suppliers to enhance service, value and compliance
  • Managing supplier performance and relationships
  • Delivering savings, cost avoidance and category improvement initiatives
  • Supporting process standardisation and sustainability
  • Reviewing contracts, with an understanding of key provisions such as termination, renewal, payment terms and liability

This is a practical, hands‑on role... ideal for someone who enjoys full accountability and thrives in environments where no two days look the same.

About You

We would love to hear from candidates who have:

  • Experience in Facilities Management and/or Engineering MRO procurement
  • A background in FMCG, warehousing or logistics (highly advantageous due to the pace and multi‑site set‑up)
  • Confidence delivering end‑to‑end sourcing activities - analysing spend data, defining scope, running tenders and awarding contracts
  • Strong analytical, organisational and communication skills
  • The ability to influence stakeholders and juggle competing priorities
  • A proactive, solutions‑focused mindset with strong commercial awareness

If you are comfortable being handed a category or tender and taking it through the full sourcing cycle, you will feel right at home here.

What You Will Get

Not only will you step into a business that is investing in procurement, you will also be joining an organisation that is genuinely people‑focused. It is refreshing to hear how much emphasis they place on culture, collaboration and supporting each other’s development.

You will benefit from:

  • A competitive salary (circa £42,000)
  • Hybrid working
  • Company pension
  • Ongoing training and development
  • A friendly, collaborative culture where your work has a visible impact

At Gleeson Recruitment Group, we embrace inclusivity and welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. We are proud to be a disability confident employer.

Category Manager - Indirects in Sutton Coldfield employer: Gleeson Recruitment Group

Join a forward-thinking UK organisation as a Category Manager - Indirects, where you will have the autonomy to shape procurement strategies and make a tangible impact. With a strong emphasis on a collaborative and supportive work culture, you'll enjoy competitive benefits including hybrid working, ongoing training, and a commitment to employee development. This role not only offers the chance to lead in a dynamic environment but also to be part of a people-focused company that values inclusivity and growth.
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Contact Detail:

Gleeson Recruitment Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Indirects in Sutton Coldfield

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Category Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in Facilities and Engineering. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one they’ve been looking for!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate supplier agreements effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or colleagues to build confidence before those big interviews.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.

We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Indirects in Sutton Coldfield

Category Strategy Development
Supplier Negotiation
Tender Management
Supplier Performance Management
Cost Savings Initiatives
Contract Review and Management
Analytical Skills
Organisational Skills
Communication Skills
Stakeholder Influence
Proactive Problem-Solving
Commercial Awareness
Experience in Facilities Management
Experience in Engineering MRO Procurement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Category Manager - Indirects. Highlight your experience in Facilities Management and Engineering procurement, and don’t forget to showcase your end-to-end sourcing skills!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of how you've improved supplier performance or managed complex categories in the past.

Show Off Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical abilities, make sure to include any relevant data analysis experience. Talk about how you've used data to drive decisions and improve procurement processes.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!

How to prepare for a job interview at Gleeson Recruitment Group

✨Know Your Categories Inside Out

Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of Facilities and Engineering procurement. Familiarise yourself with current trends, challenges, and best practices in these areas. This will not only show your passion but also demonstrate that you’re ready to take ownership of the categories.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific procurement scenarios, like running RFIs or negotiating supplier agreements. Think of examples from your past experience where you successfully managed similar situations, and be ready to discuss the outcomes.

✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills

Since strong analytical skills are crucial for this role, prepare to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous positions. Bring examples of how you’ve analysed spend data or improved supplier performance, as this will highlight your capability to deliver results.

✨Emphasise Your Stakeholder Management Experience

This role requires influencing various stakeholders, so be ready to share stories about how you've successfully navigated competing priorities. Highlight your communication strategies and how you’ve built relationships to achieve procurement goals.

Category Manager - Indirects in Sutton Coldfield
Gleeson Recruitment Group
Location: Sutton Coldfield

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