At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Category Managers in delivering strategies and enhancing value for the Group.
- Company: Join Marshall Motor Group, a leading UK car dealer with a passion for people.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, life assurance, pension scheme, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic hybrid work environment with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative procurement team and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing and ideally pursuing a professional Procurement qualification.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid, 2-3 days per week in Milton Keynes
Salary: Competitive basic salary, plus up to 10% performance bonus
Hours: 40 hours per week, working Monday to Friday
Benefits: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, pension scheme, wellbeing support, employee discount for servicing and popular retailers, as well as a purchase discount scheme
Who we are
Marshall Motor Group is one of the UK’s largest car dealer groups representing 23 of the world’s most popular and celebrated car, van, truck and motorbike manufacturers with 142 dealerships situated across 34 UK counties. We are as passionate about our people as we are our customers. As part of the Constellation Automotive Group which includes webuyanycar, cinch and BCA, there are huge opportunities for you to find your place and build the career you want.
The Role
Following a review of our Procurement function with significant investment as part of a wider transformation programme, we’re looking for a Category Buyer with excellent influencing, stakeholder management and negotiation skills to provide Procurement support throughout the Group. You will support the Category Managers across all categories of spend (Buildings / FM / IT / Marketing / Professional Services) and support the wider team in general Procurement activity. You will need to be a self-starter, analytical, can go and investigate data and present opportunities, good relationship builder with internal stakeholders (Exec level) and suppliers. Having the ability to work autonomously whilst working collaboratively with the wider business will be critical to the success of this role. You’ll need to be able to be a strategic long-term thinker who is solution orientated and not be afraid to get stuck in.
What will I do?
- Work with Category Managers to support the delivery of category strategies, aligned to the wider business objectives, delivering enhanced value for money, mitigating supply risk and continually enhancing value.
- Conduct market research to mitigate potential supply chain risks.
- Conduct multiple tender and renewal initiatives to deliver value to the Group.
- Support commercial and contractual strategies and negotiations.
- Work with Procurement Governance team and support contract and supplier relationship management (In line with Procurement framework) within specific spend areas to ensure successful contractual performance.
- Build effective internal and external relationships.
- Develop reporting to show supplier performance against agreed metrics.
- Support in the wider Procurement system transformation ensuring compliance, visibility and control.
- Support in the ongoing development and enhancement of Procurement policies, processes and governance frameworks.
What do I need?
- Demonstrable experience in a similar purchasing role.
- Demonstrable experience across the end to end procurement process.
- Ideally studying towards a professional Procurement qualification e.g CIPS or equivalent.
- Experience of using Source to Pay systems, ideally Coupa.
Our policy is to employ the best qualified people and provide equal opportunity for the advancement of employees including promotion and training and not to discriminate against any person because of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion, belief, or disability.
Category Buyer employer: Marshall Motor Group
Marshall Motor Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and wellbeing of its employees, offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including 25 days of annual leave, life assurance, and wellbeing support. With a strong focus on career development within a dynamic and collaborative work culture, employees have the opportunity to thrive in a hybrid working environment in Milton Keynes, while being part of a leading automotive group that values innovation and strategic thinking.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer
✨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 Marshall Motor Group.
✨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
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 Marshall Motor Group:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Marshall Motor Group. 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 Marshall Motor Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at Marshall Motor Group
✨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 Marshall Motor Group!
✨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 Marshall Motor Group. 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 Marshall Motor Group's culture.
