At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and drive sourcing activities in indirect procurement.
- Company: Leading manufacturing business focused on innovation and development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, double pension, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a focus on professional development.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience in a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or sourcing, particularly in indirect categories.
A strong opportunity for an ambitious indirect procurement professional to build broader category buying experience with a leading manufacturing business.
This is a great opportunity to join a leading manufacturing business in a Category Buyer role focused on indirect procurement. The business is strengthening its procurement function and investing in capability at Buyer level. This creates a strong opportunity for someone who wants more ownership, better category exposure and a route towards broader Category Management.
You'll support sourcing activity across defined indirect spend areas, working closely with procurement colleagues, internal stakeholders and suppliers. The role will involve RFx activity, supplier engagement, simple to medium-complexity agreements, performance reporting, commercial analysis and day-to-day sourcing follow-through. Category scope can be shaped around experience, with particular interest in areas such as marketing, brand, HR, professional services or IT.
Key Responsibilities- Running RFx events and tenders aligned to category sourcing plans
- Managing supplier communication, bid activity, clarifications and timelines
- Supporting category plans with data, insight and practical commercial follow-through
- Drafting, reviewing and negotiating simple to medium-complexity commercial agreements
- Tracking supplier performance, savings, compliance, risk and improvement activity
- Working with stakeholders to understand requirements and challenge assumptions constructively
- Maintaining supplier, pricing, contract and procurement documentation
This role would suit someone with procurement, sourcing or commercial operations experience who is ready to build broader category buying capability. Indirect procurement experience would be highly relevant, particularly across marketing, brand, HR, professional services or IT. FMCG, consumer goods, manufacturing or another fast-paced commercial environment would be useful, but the client is open-minded on sector background.
You'll need to be organised, analytical, commercially aware and confident working with stakeholders and suppliers.
This is a development-focused opportunity within a recognised manufacturing environment. You'll get the chance to build sourcing capability, strengthen supplier management experience, work with a broad stakeholder base and contribute to a procurement function that is becoming more data-led, digitally enabled and commercially influential. The package includes a salary of £42,000-£48,000, bonus opportunity and a strong wider benefits package.
If you're interested in learning more, we'd be happy to have a confidential conversation.
Category Buyer - Indirect Procurement employer: Henderson Brown Recruitment
Henderson Brown Recruitment is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Portsmouth that values flexibility and competitive pay for its Multi Skilled Maintenance Engineer role. With a strong focus on employee growth and development within the FMCG sector, the company fosters a collaborative culture where innovative ideas are encouraged, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
Contact Details:
Henderson Brown Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer - Indirect Procurement
✨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 Henderson Brown Recruitment.
✨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 Buyer - Indirect Procurement
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 Henderson Brown Recruitment:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Henderson Brown Recruitment. 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 Henderson Brown Recruitment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Henderson Brown Recruitment
✨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 Henderson Brown Recruitment!
✨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 Henderson Brown Recruitment. 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 Henderson Brown Recruitment's culture.
