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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement of raw materials and packaging, driving strategic supplier partnerships.
- Company: Join a leading manufacturing firm focused on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your negotiation skills.
- Qualifications: Degree-level education and experience in procurement or purchasing required.
- Other info: Diverse workplace committed to inclusivity and equal opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you experienced in sourcing direct materials and negotiating with global suppliers? Do you thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment where strategic procurement drives performance? Ready to take ownership of key raw material categories and influence long-term supply decisions?
The Opportunity
An exciting opportunity has become available to join one of our key clients in the manufacturing sector. As a Direct Category Manager you’ll oversee raw materials and packaging procurement, ensuring best-practice purchasing, robust supplier performance, and cost-effective sourcing strategies. This role plays a key part in how the site manages commercial decisions, supplier networks and long-term procurement planning.
Your duties and responsibilities will be:
- Building strong strategic partnerships with suppliers across designated raw material and packaging categories.
- Providing stakeholders with market, pricing and cost-trend insight while ensuring purchasing data in SAP remains accurate and up to date.
- Tracking supplier performance, driving improvements, and presenting regular reporting to key internal teams.
- Coordinating core purchasing activity across the site, supporting global agreements, and contributing to procurement-related improvement projects.
- Leading negotiations, supplier quality assessments, and the development of new relationships with future strategic suppliers.
You will have the following qualifications & experience:
- Proven purchasing or procurement experience within an industrial, manufacturing or similar environment.
- A degree-level qualification.
- Strong negotiation skills with the confidence to engage international suppliers and support global sourcing strategies.
- Experience using SAP and strong process management capabilities, ideally including auditing exposure.
- Industry experience in chemicals or related sectors is advantageous, alongside the ability to build effective cross-functional relationships; CIPS certification is beneficial but not essential.
It’s great if you also have the following:
- Chemical industry/manufacturing experience
- Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) qualifications
Millbank Holdings Ltd is an equal opportunities employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of background, and encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. We are proud to be a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, and we are committed to ensuring an accessible and supportive recruitment process for everyone. If you require any adjustments at any stage, please let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate. Millbank operates as both an Employment Agency and an Employment Business.
Locations
Category Manager in Cheshire, Moore employer: Millbank
Contact Detail:
Millbank Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Cheshire, Moore
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the manufacturing and procurement sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its suppliers. Understand their procurement strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one they’ve been looking for!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect match for your skills. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. So, what are you waiting for? Get clicking!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Cheshire, Moore
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your procurement experience, especially in sourcing direct materials and negotiating with suppliers, to show us you're the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention any relevant industry experience or qualifications.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your negotiation skills and strategic procurement capabilities. Numbers and results speak volumes, so let us see what you've accomplished!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Millbank
✨Know Your Numbers
Before the interview, brush up on key metrics related to procurement and sourcing. Be ready to discuss cost trends, supplier performance data, and how you've used these insights in past roles. This shows you’re not just familiar with the theory but can apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare specific examples of successful negotiations you've led. Highlight the strategies you used and the outcomes achieved. This will demonstrate your confidence and ability to engage with international suppliers effectively.
✨Understand the Industry Landscape
Research the current trends in the manufacturing sector, especially regarding raw materials and packaging. Being able to discuss these trends during your interview will show that you're proactive and knowledgeable about the industry.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasise your experience in building strategic partnerships with suppliers. Share stories that illustrate your ability to foster strong relationships and collaborate across functions, as this is crucial for a Category Manager role.