Category Buyer

Are you ready to make a real impact in procurement within a dynamic, forward‑thinking organisation? Join a leading provider of procurement and supply chain solutions supporting vital sectors including healthcare, housing, and education.

About the role

We’re looking for an analytical, organised, and commercially aware Category Buyer to support the Category Manager across key spend areas. With a particular interest in building materials and related categories, you’ll help shape and deliver effective procurement strategies that drive value, compliance, and excellent service for our customers.

In this role, you’ll manage tendering activity, supplier relationships, and contract performance while ensuring procurement processes run smoothly and efficiently. You’ll use data to inform decisions, support stakeholders, and contribute to the continuous improvement of category performance.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and support compliant tendering and procurement processes in line with EU Procurement regulations.
• Understand customer needs and deliver clear, strategic procurement advice.
• Identify category opportunities and risks, contributing to the development of category strategies.
• Manage mini‑competitions, price reviews, call‑off contracts, and framework agreements.
• Implement and manage framework strategies that support financial and operational performance.
• Conduct market analysis and stay up to date on trends and innovations, particularly across building materials and related supply chains.
• Build and maintain productive supplier relationships that drive quality, value, and service.
• Engage with clients regularly to ensure excellent service delivery and category performance.
• Monitor and report on contract performance, focusing on customer retention, growth, and operational outcomes.
• Support marketing and sales teams in promoting category solutions.
• Analyse data to measure performance, identify improvements, and support decision‑making.

Key skills and experience

• Experience: Proven background in procurement and contract management, ideally within the public sector or a consortium environment.
• Knowledge: Strong understanding of EU Procurement regulations; experience with building materials or construction-related categories is a plus.
• Skills: Excellent communication, organisation, analytical ability, and time management.
• Relationship Management: Ability to build strong, effective relationships with suppliers and customers.

In return we offer a fantastic benefits package including:

• Income protection – 75% of salary covered if unable to work due to illness (post-probation).
• Life assurance – 4x basic salary paid as a tax‑free lump sum (post-probation).
• Private Medical Insurance (PMI) – Fully funded cover with family extension options (post-probation).
• Health cash plan – Reimbursement for medical expenses & discounted gym membership (post-probation).
• Pension scheme – 5% employer match with salary exchange option.
• Holiday trading – Buy or sell up to 5 days annually (available in December).
• Cycle to Work Scheme – Salary sacrifice bike purchases up to £1,000 (post-probation).
• Electric Vehicle Scheme – Lease an EV via salary sacrifice (eligible after 12 months).
• Employee support services – Access to legal, financial, bereavement, and medical advice (immediate eligibility).
• Exclusive mobile deals – Discounted EE contracts for employees & up to 5 friends/family.

Join our team and be part of a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to making a meaningful difference for our planet and society.

Our work environment

At Inprova, we’re more than a procurement organisation—we’re a purpose-driven business committed to making a positive impact. As a certified B Corp, we embed Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into everything we do. From reducing carbon emissions to promoting ethical sourcing and community development, we’re building a better future—and we want you to be part of it.

We’re also proud to foster a Diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone can thrive. Your unique perspective will be valued, and your contributions will help shape the future of procurement.