At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a leading provider of procurement solutions with a values-led culture.
- Benefits: Inclusive workplace, career growth, and a commitment to positive community outcomes.
- Other info: Work in a certified B Corp and a Sunday Times Best Place to Work.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in vital sectors like healthcare and education.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
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 organised, and commercially aware Category Buyer to support the Category Manager across key spend areas.
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 Public Sector Procurement regulations (PCR 2015/PA23).
- 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 Public Sector Procurement regulations (PCR 2015 or PA2023)
- Skills: Excellent communication, organisation, analytical ability, and time management.
- Relationship Management: Ability to build strong, effective relationships with suppliers and customers.
Why Join Inprova?
At Inprova, we’re more than just a workplace, we’re a values‑led organisation committed to delivering positive outcomes for our clients and communities.
As a certified B Corp and a Sunday Times Best Place to Work, we’re proud to offer an inclusive, supportive, and engaging environment where people can thrive.
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Category Buyer in Warrington employer: Inprova
Join our dynamic team as a Junior Product Owner, where you'll be part of a collaborative culture that values innovation and customer-centricity. We offer robust growth opportunities, mentorship from experienced professionals, and a supportive environment that encourages your development in the product management field. Located in a vibrant area, our company provides unique advantages such as flexible working arrangements and a strong focus on work-life balance, making it an excellent place to kickstart your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer in Warrington
✨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 Inprova.
✨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 in Warrington
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 Inprova:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Inprova. 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 Inprova.
How to prepare for a job interview at Inprova
✨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 Inprova!
✨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 Inprova. 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 Inprova's culture.
