At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive impactful category strategies and manage supplier relationships for cost savings and quality improvements.
- Company: Join a leading global manufacturer with a supportive culture and career development opportunities.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pension, life assurance, generous leave, and a discretionary bonus scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity for international travel and excellent career growth in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic industry while developing your expertise in procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic procurement, preferably in manufacturing or engineering sectors.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
Vickerstock are working exclusively with a global manufacturer on the appointment of a Category Manager on a full-time permanent basis (40 hours). Our client is a major international business recognised as a leading name in their industry, offering excellent benefits and a path to develop your expertise and career in a supportive working environment.
As the Category Manager, you will be responsible for driving high-impact category strategies that deliver measurable cost savings, improved quality, and enhanced supply chain resilience across critical components and services. The role plays a key part in aligning procurement activity to business objectives, unlocking value through strategic sourcing, strong supplier partnerships, and continuous improvement.
Benefits Include:
- Pension - Employer 7%/ Employee minimum of 5%
- Life Assurance - 6 times salary
- Discretionary bonus scheme 10% based on business performance
- 33 days annual leave - 25 + 8 stats
- Enhanced maternity and adoption pay
- Enhanced paternity pay
- Salary to be discussed in person
Duties in the Category Lead role include:
- Develop, own and execute robust category strategies across assigned spend areas including (but not limited to) metal fabrications, hydraulics, electrical components, and vehicle or machine parts.
- Lead end-to-end supplier management activities within your categories, encompassing contract negotiation, change management, pricing and payment queries, supplier classification, and ongoing supplier relationship management.
- Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key strategic suppliers to drive performance improvements, innovation, quality, service, and full commercial and regulatory compliance.
- Proactively identify and deliver cost reduction and value creation opportunities, taking a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) approach through strategic sourcing initiatives, process improvements, and close supplier collaboration.
- Act as the primary escalation point for all supply-related issues within your category, working cross-functionally to resolve challenges quickly and ensure uninterrupted production and operational continuity.
- Take ownership of design changes and special or one-off parts, including re-specification, cost validation, and supplier engagement.
- Manage and track design change implementation to ensure continuity of supply and accurate transition of parts into production.
What you will need to succeed:
- Demonstrable experience in a strategic procurement position
- Experience within manufacturing, engineering, aerospace, or automotive industries.
- Advantageous: Experience in areas such as metal fabrications, hydraulics, electrical components, or vehicle machine parts.
- CIPS Qualification (ideally Level 4 or working towards).
- Ability to travel internationally to visit suppliers.
For a confidential conversation on how Vickerstock can help support you with your next move, get in touch with our supply chain consultant Michael Irwin today.
Category Manager - Manufacturing TLNT1_NI in Cookstown employer: IrishJobs
Vickerstock is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment for the Category Manager role in the manufacturing sector. With a strong emphasis on employee development, competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme and discretionary bonuses, and a commitment to fostering collaborative relationships, this global manufacturer provides a unique opportunity for professionals to thrive and make a significant impact in their field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Manufacturing TLNT1_NI in Cookstown
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Category Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in areas like strategic sourcing and supplier management.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When discussing your past roles, focus on specific examples where you’ve driven cost savings or improved supplier relationships. We love seeing measurable results that highlight your impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in your job search journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Manufacturing TLNT1_NI in Cookstown
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in strategic procurement and any relevant industry knowledge, like manufacturing or engineering. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
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. Share specific examples of how you've driven cost savings or improved supplier relationships in the past. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don't just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Quantify your successes where possible, like percentage savings or improvements in supply chain resilience. This helps us see the impact you've made in previous roles.
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 keep track of everything. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at IrishJobs
✨Know Your Categories
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific categories you'll be managing, like metal fabrications or hydraulics. Understand the current market trends, key suppliers, and potential challenges. This knowledge will show your passion and preparedness.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
Be ready to discuss how you've developed and executed category strategies in the past. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to drive cost savings and improve quality. This is your chance to demonstrate your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
✨Build Relationships
Talk about your experience in building strong supplier relationships. Share examples of how you've collaborated with suppliers to drive performance improvements and innovation. This will illustrate your interpersonal skills and ability to work cross-functionally.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific supply-related issues or design changes. Prepare by thinking through potential scenarios and your approach to resolving them. This will help you showcase your critical thinking and decision-making abilities.
