At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement of raw materials and packaging, ensuring strategic sourcing and supplier performance.
- Company: Join a leading manufacturing client focused on innovation and strategic procurement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to equal opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-paced environment while building strong supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and a degree-level qualification.
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.
Category Manager in Moore employer: Millbank
Millbank Holdings Ltd is an exceptional employer in the manufacturing sector, offering a dynamic work environment where strategic procurement is at the forefront of operational success. With a strong commitment to employee growth and inclusivity, we provide opportunities for professional development and foster a culture that values diverse perspectives. Located in a vibrant area, our team enjoys not only competitive benefits but also the chance to make a meaningful impact through their work in sourcing and supplier management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Moore
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Role-play with a friend or mentor to get comfortable discussing terms and conditions. This will help you shine when it comes to those crucial discussions with suppliers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Moore
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in sourcing direct materials and negotiating with suppliers, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your strong negotiation skills and any experience you have with SAP. We want to see how you can contribute to our procurement strategies, so make it clear!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. We appreciate straightforward communication, so get to the point while still showing off your personality and passion for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Finally, make sure to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Millbank
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of market trends and pricing strategies. Brush up on recent data related to raw materials and packaging costs, and be ready to discuss how you would leverage this information in negotiations.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've led, especially with international suppliers. Highlight your approach, the challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This will show your potential employer that you have the confidence and skills needed for the role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with SAP
Since experience with SAP is crucial for this role, make sure you're comfortable discussing how you've used it in previous positions. If you can, bring specific examples of how you maintained purchasing data accuracy or improved processes using SAP.
✨Build a Connection
During the interview, focus on building rapport with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their supplier relationships and procurement strategies. This not only shows your interest but also helps you assess if the company aligns with your values and work style.
