At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage significant operational spend across various categories.
- Company: Join a leading business in the regulated distribution and logistics sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, hybrid working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive environment with long-term progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on procurement strategy and drive cost savings in a high-profile role.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strong negotiation skills required.
Location: Warwick (Hybrid Working)
Are you an experienced Category Manager looking for the opportunity to influence procurement strategy across a large-scale national operation? We are working with a leading business operating within a highly regulated distribution and logistics environment, supporting critical supply chains across the UK. Due to continued growth and investment within the procurement function, we are looking to recruit a Category Manager – Operations to join the team on a hybrid basis.
Reporting to the Head of Procurement, this is a high-profile role responsible for managing approximately £60 million of operational spend across categories including fleet, fuel, facilities management, final mile delivery, drivers and capital expenditure projects. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering cost savings, supplier performance improvements and strategic procurement initiatives across the business.
This role would suit an experienced Category Manager who enjoys building relationships with senior stakeholders, challenging existing ways of working and delivering measurable commercial value through strategic sourcing and supplier management.
Responsibilities of a Category Manager – Operations:
- Develop and deliver category strategies aligned to business objectives and operational requirements
- Manage operational spend categories including fleet, fuel, facilities management, logistics and capital projects
- Lead tender processes, supplier negotiations and sourcing activities
- Deliver cost reduction initiatives and identify value-adding opportunities across the supply chain
- Build and manage strategic supplier relationships to improve performance and service delivery
- Partner with operational stakeholders to understand business requirements and procurement priorities
- Challenge existing processes and drive continuous improvement initiatives
- Track procurement benefits, savings and project outcomes against agreed targets
- Support transformational change programmes across the wider business
- Ensure procurement activities remain compliant with company governance and industry regulations
Skills & Qualifications of a Category Manager – Operations:
- Previous Category Management experience within operational spend categories
- Experience managing fleet, facilities management, logistics or similar operational procurement categories
- Strong commercial negotiation and supplier management skills
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing abilities
- Strong financial and analytical skills, including total cost of ownership analysis
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Strong Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills
- MCIPS qualified or working towards MCIPS desirable
- Experience within healthcare, pharmaceutical, logistics, wholesale distribution or similarly regulated environments advantageous
Benefits of a Category Manager – Operations:
- Salary up to £52,000
- 10% annual bonus scheme
- Hybrid working arrangement
- Opportunity to influence procurement strategy across a large national operation
- High-profile role with significant stakeholder exposure
- Career development within a growing procurement function
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
- Long-term progression opportunities
If you feel this Category Manager – Operations role is right for you, please contact Becky Prince at Maintech Recruitment for more information or click apply.
Category Manager in Warwick employer: Maintech Recruitment
Join a leading business in Warwick that values innovation and strategic thinking, offering a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. As a Category Manager, you'll have the opportunity to influence procurement strategies across a national operation while enjoying a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises career development and long-term progression. With competitive benefits including a salary of up to £52,000 and a 10% annual bonus scheme, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Warwick
✨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 Maintech 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 Manager in Warwick
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 Maintech Recruitment:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Maintech 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 Maintech Recruitment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Maintech 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 Maintech 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 Maintech 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 Maintech Recruitment's culture.
