At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and manage category strategies while optimising costs and supplier relationships.
- Company: Join a multinational manufacturing leader in Peterborough.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate with potential for growth and development.
- Other info: Onsite role with a supportive team and clear career progression.
- Why this job: Make an impact by driving procurement excellence in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Category Buyer with strong data analytics and negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 67000 - 90000 £ per year.
PE Global is currently recruiting for an experienced Category Buyer to join our multinational manufacturing client based in Peterborough. The role is an initial 12-month contract and the rate for this role is £32.15 p/hr (PAYE) or £43.64 p/hr (Umbrella).
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop, manage and execute category strategies, including policies, agreements, source catalogues and special procurement programmes.
- Identify opportunities for cost reduction, inventory optimisation and quality improvements while assessing business proposals and associated risks.
- Act as the key liaison between the business and suppliers, ensuring clear communication and alignment with production requirements and supplier capabilities.
- Monitor and document supplier performance, including delivery and production metrics, while maintaining strong supplier relationships.
- Support strategic sourcing activities and continuously evaluate procurement processes to maximise value.
- Apply Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development and Management (QCLDM) principles to deliver supply network solutions and business objectives.
Requirements:
- Previous experience working as a Category Buyer, preferably within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
- Strong data analytics skills with the ability to interpret data and support business decision-making.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Proven negotiation skills and experience managing supplier relationships.
- Good understanding of purchasing processes, procurement regulations and contract management.
- Knowledge of strategic sourcing methodologies and procurement best practices.
- Proficient in Microsoft 365 applications.
- Relevant degree or professional qualification is desirable; however, equivalent industry experience will also be considered.
- Willingness to travel occasionally (less than 20%).
Additional Information:
- Fully onsite role based in Peterborough.
- Working hours are 37 hours per week: Monday to Thursday: 8:00am – 4:00pm, Friday: 8:00am – 1:00pm.
- One-stage Teams interview process (60 minutes) using a combination of STAR competency and procurement-related questions.
- Please note PE Global cannot provide visa sponsorship for this role. Candidates will need the full right to live and work within the UK for at least the next 6 months.
Category Buyer in Cambridge employer: PE Global
PE Global is an excellent employer that values its employees by offering a supportive work culture and opportunities for professional growth within the multinational manufacturing sector. Located in Peterborough, the company provides a competitive hourly rate and fosters strong supplier relationships, ensuring that Category Buyers can thrive in their roles while contributing to meaningful procurement strategies. With a focus on employee development and a collaborative environment, PE Global is committed to helping its team members achieve their career aspirations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer in Cambridge
✨Get Involved in Local Procurement Meetups
Join local procurement and purchasing groups on platforms like Meetup or Eventbrite. These gatherings are great for networking with industry professionals, sharing insights, and potentially hearing about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised!
✨Seasonal Hiring Cycles are Your Friend!
Keep an eye on seasonal trends in procurement, as many companies ramp up hiring during certain times of the year – especially around end-of-financial-year periods when budgets are being utilised. Be proactive and reach out to companies directly during these windows.
✨Leverage Online Platforms for Temporary Roles
Don’t forget to browse specific job boards dedicated to temporary positions, such as Reed or Indeed. You can filter your search for procurement roles and set up alerts for when new jobs pop up, so you can apply immediately!
✨Showcase Your Skills on Professional Networks
Create short case studies or posts on LinkedIn showcasing your procurement experience or interesting projects you've tackled. This not only builds your visibility but can also attract recruiters looking for temporary talent like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in procurement-purchasing, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Mention specific tasks like negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, or optimising inventory. This will show PE Global that you can hit the ground running!
Keep it Concise and Impactful:For a temporary role, we recommend keeping your CV and cover letter concise. Focus on key achievements that showcase your procurement skills and any immediate impact you’ve made in past roles. Use bullet points for clarity—this way, PE Global can quickly grasp your capabilities!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications that are relevant to procurement, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply), don’t forget to mention them! This adds extra weight to your application and shows PE Global that you're serious about your professional development.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:Since this is a temporary position, make sure to emphasise your availability and flexibility in your cover letter. Let PE Global know when you can start and that you’re ready to adapt to their needs, making your application even more appealing!
How to prepare for a job interview at PE Global
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Brush up on key procurement concepts and terms, like 'total cost of ownership' and 'supplier relationships'. We want to impress them with our knowledge! Being able to talk fluently about relevant techniques and tools specific to the procurement field will definitely lend credibility.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In a purchasing role, you might get thrown some real-world scenarios to assess how you’d handle supplier negotiations or cost-saving strategies. Be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills! Practising how you'd tackle these situations in advance will help us shine during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Since it’s a temporary role, emphasise how you can quickly adapt to new processes and environments. Share examples of past experiences where you’ve tackled new challenges with ease, showing they can rely on us to hit the ground running and contribute immediately!
✨Show Off Your Tech Savvy
Being well-versed in procurement software like SAP or Coupa can set us apart from other candidates. If you've got experience with these tools, be sure to mention it! Having a handle on data analysis and reporting will also demonstrate our capability to leverage technology effectively in procurement.
