At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead indirect procurement strategies and negotiate supplier contracts for a leading manufacturing company.
- Company: Join a top-tier manufacturing organisation with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus potential, and opportunities for long-term career growth.
- Other info: Significant autonomy and the chance to influence business-wide procurement strategy.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving cost savings and improving supplier performance in a high-profile role.
- Qualifications: Experience in indirect procurement and strong analytical skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Reference: 4812039Job ID: 5403524Posted: 2026-07-07Closing date: 2026-10-06Location: Plymouth
Salary: Up to 60,000 + Bonus Do E (per annum)Job type: Permanent Working pattern: Full time
- Industry: Manufacturing & Production / Procurement
- Company: Hays
Consultant: Rebekah Razza Hays office: Reading — Level 5, Block B, Suite 2 Apex, Forbury Road
Phone: 0333 010 2519Email: rebekah. razza@hays. com Your new company A leading manufacturing organisation is seeking an experienced Category Lead – Indirect Procurement to take ownership of a diverse indirect spend portfolio.
You will be responsible for developing and delivering category strategies, leading sourcing and tendering activities, negotiating supplier contracts, and driving sustainable cost savings, compliance, and commercial value across the business.
Your new role Develop and implement category strategies across indirect spend categories.
Lead sourcing, tendering, supplier selection, and contract negotiations.
Deliver measurable cost savings and value improvement initiatives.
Manage supplier performance, service levels, and commercial relationships.
Drive regulatory, contractual, and procurement compliance.
Support both CAPEX and OPEX procurement activity.
Partner with stakeholders across Facilities, HR, Legal, Finance, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain.
Identify and mitigate supplier and supply chain risks.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives across procurement processes and systems.
What you'll need to succeed Proven indirect procurement or category management experience within manufacturing, engineering, or a complex operational environment.
Strong commercial, sourcing, and contract management expertise.
Demonstrable track record of delivering savings and supplier performance improvements.
Strong analytical and data-driven approach to decision-making.
Experience managing CAPEX and OPEX expenditure.
CIPS qualified or working towards a qualification is desirable.
Excellent stakeholder engagement and change management skills.
What you'll get in return Significant autonomy and ownership.
High-profile role within a developing procurement function.
Opportunity to influence business-wide procurement strategy.
Competitive salary, bonus, and long-term career development.
What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. #4812039 - Rebekah Razza
Indirect Category Lead in Plymouth employer: Hays
Join a vibrant secondary school that prioritises excellence in education and fosters a supportive community for both students and staff. As the Head of Mathematics, you will benefit from a competitive salary, ongoing professional development opportunities, and a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and growth. This role not only allows you to lead a dedicated team but also to make a significant impact on student achievement in a welcoming environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Indirect Category Lead in Plymouth
✨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 Hays.
✨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 Indirect Category Lead in Plymouth
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 Hays:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Hays. 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 Hays.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨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 Hays!
✨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 Hays. 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 Hays's culture.
