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- Tasks: Lead sourcing strategies and engage stakeholders for corporate services procurement.
- Company: Join PD Ports, a top UK port business with over 1,400 employees.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 25 days holiday, and paid family leave.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making impactful decisions in procurement.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in procurement, CIPS qualification preferred, strong negotiation skills.
- Other info: Work from our head office in Middlesbrough, with a focus on career development.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Category Manager – Corporate Services & Capex
Location: Middlesbrough
Type: Full Time
Closing Date: 22nd August 2025
PD Ports is a leading UK port business offering end-to-end supply chain solutions, employing over 1,400 people in the UK. With headquarters based in the Northeast of England, PD Ports owns and operates theUK’s sixth largest port by volume. Operating out of 11 key portsand logistics centres across the UK, we are committed to retaining and developing talent nationwide.
A vacancy has arisen for a full time Category Manager – Corporate Services & Capex reporting to the Head of Procurement.
Location:Head Office, Queens Square, Middlesbrough TS2 1AH
Working Arrangements:Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week. Hybrid working available.
The five main things our Category Manager – Corporates Services & Capexwill be working on are:
- Category Strategy and Sourcing Leadership:Develop and implement comprehensive sourcing strategies for corporate services and non-engineering CAPEX, leading the entire sourcing process from market research and specification development to bid evaluation and negotiation of commercial terms.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Influence:Act as the primary contact for internal stakeholders and business units regarding corporate services procurement. A key aspect is to encourage and influence internal stakeholders to direct significant spend categories, including capital expenditure, through the Procurement function.
- Contract Development:Work with the legal function to construct the necessary contractual arrangements for contracts to ensure all contractual terms and conditions are approved and corporate risk is minimised.
- Cost Savings:Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities within designated categories through strategic sourcing and supplier management and ensure all negotiated gains and cost savings are tracked, measured, and delivered.
- Compliance and Leadership:Deliver a Compliant Procurement service that meets company Procurement policy and process, lead, develop and mentor a Procurement Specialist
We are seeking someone who:
- Has a minimum of 5 years in procurement with progressive experience in procurement, with a significant portion dedicated to corporate services, or indirect procurement, and experience of CAPEX procurement.
- Is CIPS qualified (desirable or working toward becoming fully qualified– sponsored by PD Ports).
- Has strong negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to achieve favourable outcomes while maintaining positive supplier relationships.
- Has strong communication/collaboration experience which demonstrates an ability to engage technical staff, functional/business stakeholders and Senior Management representatives to deliver beneficial outcomes.
- Has the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with an effective approach to prioritising workload and attention to detail.
We offer 25 days holiday, paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave, life insurance and a cycle to work scheme.
If you are interested in this opportunity please apply in writing, outlining relevant skills & experience, to hr.recruitment@pdports.co.ukand use job referenceCMNW25.
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Category Manager – Corporate Services & Capex employer: Pd Ports
Contact Detail:
Pd Ports Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager – Corporate Services & Capex
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with PD Ports' operations and their procurement processes. Understanding the specific challenges and opportunities within corporate services and CAPEX will help you engage effectively with stakeholders during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement field, especially those who have experience in corporate services or CAPEX. This can provide you with insights into best practices and may even lead to referrals that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your negotiation strategies and past successes in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've influenced stakeholders and achieved cost savings, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commitment to professional development, particularly regarding CIPS qualifications. If you're working towards this, mention it during discussions to demonstrate your dedication to enhancing your procurement expertise.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager – Corporate Services & Capex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement, especially in corporate services and CAPEX. Use specific examples that demonstrate your negotiation skills and stakeholder engagement.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that outlines your motivation for applying to PD Ports. Emphasise your CIPS qualification or progress towards it, and how your skills align with the responsibilities of the Category Manager role.
Highlight Key Achievements: In your application, include quantifiable achievements related to cost savings and compliance in procurement. This will showcase your ability to deliver results and add value to the company.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you send your application to the correct email address (hr.recruitment@pdports.co.uk) and include the job reference (CMNW25). Double-check for any additional requirements mentioned in the job description.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pd Ports
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Category Manager in Corporate Services & Capex. Familiarise yourself with sourcing strategies, stakeholder engagement, and contract development to demonstrate your knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your procurement experience, especially in corporate services and CAPEX. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully negotiated contracts or implemented cost-saving measures.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since stakeholder engagement is key for this role, think of ways you've influenced internal stakeholders in previous positions. Be prepared to share how you built relationships and encouraged collaboration to achieve procurement goals.
✨Demonstrate Compliance Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with procurement policies and compliance requirements. Be ready to discuss how you ensure adherence to these standards in your work, as this will be crucial for delivering a compliant procurement service.
