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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category strategies and supplier partnerships in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Global leader in advanced manufacturing with a reputation for engineering excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and hybrid working model.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving innovation and value in procurement.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in procurement leadership, strong negotiation skills, and attention to detail.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 66000 £ per year.
A leading global manufacturer with a strong reputation for engineering excellence is seeking an experienced Category Manager to take ownership of a substantial spend portfolio across indirect goods and services, aftermarket components, and NPD support.
This is a key strategic role within a high-performing procurement function, based at the organisation’s European headquarters. Working within a collaborative and forward-thinking culture, you’ll play a pivotal part in driving value, ensuring supply continuity, and enabling innovation across the business.
The Role
- Lead category strategy development, supplier partnerships, and sourcing activity across a broad non-production portfolio.
- Develop and deliver category strategies across multiple indirect and aftermarket categories.
- Conduct spend analysis, demand forecasting and market intelligence to identify optimisation opportunities.
- Build multi-year plans for supplier development, sustainability, and risk mitigation.
- Drive alignment across departments to optimise total cost of ownership.
- Monitor KPIs and adjust strategies to deliver measurable value.
- Integrate procurement into early-stage product development activities.
- Engage suppliers early to influence cost, design and manufacturability.
- Identify, evaluate and develop suppliers globally.
- Lead RFP/RFQ processes and negotiate robust commercial agreements.
- Ensure compliance with category strategy and internal requirements.
About You
- Essential: Minimum 2 years’ experience in a procurement leadership or management role.
- Experience working in a manufacturing or engineering environment.
- Strong commercial acumen with experience of managing significant spend and multiple projects.
- Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems.
- Excellent negotiation, problem-solving and stakeholder-management skills.
- Highly accurate with strong attention to detail.
- Desirable: CIPS Level 4+ or relevant equivalent.
- Experience in technical manufacturing or food processing environments.
- Project management experience.
If you feel this role aligns with you, we would love to discuss the role and your experience further and look forward to your CV / Application.
Category Manager in Birmingham employer: Pertemps Network Group
Contact Detail:
Pertemps Network Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the manufacturing and procurement sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Understand their products and services, and think about how your experience as a Category Manager can add value to their operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or mentor to build confidence before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, it’s a great way to show your enthusiasm for joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Category Manager role. Highlight your procurement leadership experience and any relevant projects you've managed in manufacturing or engineering.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven value and innovation in previous positions, and don't forget to mention your strong commercial acumen!
Showcase Your Achievements: Quantify your successes where possible! Whether it's cost savings from negotiations or successful supplier partnerships, we want to see how you've made an impact in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pertemps Network Group
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the categories you'll be managing. Understand the latest trends in indirect goods and aftermarket components. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to driving value in the role.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you achieved significant savings or improved supplier relationships. Be ready to discuss your approach to RFP/RFQ processes and how you ensure compliance with category strategies.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss how you've managed substantial spend portfolios in previous roles. Highlight your experience with spend analysis and market intelligence, and how these skills can optimise costs and drive innovation in the new position.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you've collaborated with different departments in the past. Be ready to share specific instances where you aligned procurement strategies with broader business goals, showcasing your stakeholder management skills.
