At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive strategic sourcing initiatives and optimise indirect spend across diverse categories.
- Company: Established manufacturing business in Manchester with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, hybrid working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a growing team and enjoy a supportive leadership environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on procurement strategy and supplier relationships in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in Indirect Procurement or Category Management with strong negotiation skills.
Senior Buyer / Category Manager position with a well-established manufacturing business in Manchester, offering a salary of £60,000 - £65,000 plus bonus and a hybrid working arrangement.
This role is within the FMCG industry and is based in Manchester. We're seeking a commercially astute Indirect Procurement / Senior Buyer / Category Manager to join a growing procurement function, driving strategic sourcing initiatives across a diverse range of indirect categories. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys combining strategic category management with stakeholder engagement, supplier development, and delivering measurable business value.
Working in a hybrid environment, you'll partner with manufacturing sites and business functions across multiple locations to optimise spend, mitigate risk, and support operational excellence.
Description
As Senior Buyer / Category Manager, you will develop and execute sourcing strategies across a broad indirect spend portfolio, including:
- MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operations)
- Engineering Services
- Facilities Management
- Utilities
- Site Services
- PPE
- Professional Services
- Waste Management
- Other indirect expenditure categories
You will play a key role in delivering cost optimisation, supplier performance improvements, contract governance, sustainability objectives, and long-term procurement value.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Sourcing & Category Management
- Develop and implement category strategies aligned to business objectives.
- Lead end-to-end sourcing projects, tenders, RFQs and negotiations.
- Identify opportunities for cost optimisation and efficiency improvements.
- Apply Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) principles when evaluating suppliers and procurement solutions.
- Ensure procurement activity complies with company policies, governance standards and delegated authorities.
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Build and maintain effective supplier partnerships.
- Negotiate robust commercial agreements and contracts.
- Drive supplier performance, service improvements and innovation.
- Manage supplier risk, business continuity and contractual compliance.
- Support responsible sourcing and ESG objectives across the supply base.
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Partner with operational, engineering, manufacturing and corporate stakeholders.
- Understand business requirements and translate them into procurement strategies.
- Influence decision-making and provide commercial procurement expertise.
- Collaborate across functions to deliver procurement and operational objectives.
- Cost & Value Delivery
- Deliver validated savings and cost avoidance initiatives.
- Support annual budgeting and spend forecasting processes.
- Identify opportunities for supplier consolidation and specification improvements.
- Track and report procurement benefits and performance metrics.
- Market Analysis & Reporting
- Monitor market trends and supplier developments.
- Analyse spend data and procurement performance.
- Maintain accurate supplier, contract and sourcing records.
- Provide regular reporting and procurement insights to leadership teams.
Profile
We're looking for a proactive procurement professional who combines strong commercial acumen with excellent stakeholder management skills.
Essential Experience
- Minimum 4 years' experience within Indirect Procurement, Strategic Sourcing or Category Management.
- Experience within a manufacturing, FMCG, industrial or engineering environment.
- Proven track record delivering savings and procurement value.
- Experience managing indirect spend categories and supplier relationships.
- Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
- Experience leading tender and RFQ processes from inception through to implementation.
Skills & Attributes
- Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
- Commercially minded with excellent analytical capabilities.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
- Proactive and self-motivated approach.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Resilient, adaptable and solutions-focused.
- Passion for continuous improvement and supplier innovation.
Job Offer
- Competitive salary of c £60,000 - £65,000 + Bonus
- Hybrid working model
- Opportunity to influence procurement strategy across multiple sites
- Exposure to a substantial indirect spend portfolio
- Career development within a dynamic manufacturing environment that is growing the team
- Collaborative and supportive leadership team
If this sounds like something you'd be interested in exploring, I'd be delighted to share more information and discuss the opportunity in confidence. If you're interested in this role, apply now. Please only apply if you have indirect procurement experience and live in the Manchester / North West area.
Senior Buyer - Indirect Procurement - Category Manager in Manchester employer: Michael Page
At Michael Page, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that champions community impact through our Social Value Lead role. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing employees with ample opportunities for professional growth while making a meaningful difference in the property industry. Located in a vibrant area, we offer competitive salaries and a commitment to employee well-being, ensuring that you thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer - Indirect Procurement - Category Manager in Manchester
✨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 Michael Page.
✨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 Senior Buyer - Indirect Procurement - Category Manager in Manchester
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 Michael Page:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Michael Page. 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 Michael Page.
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page
✨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 Michael Page!
✨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 Michael Page. 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 Michael Page's culture.
