Category Buyer in Towcester

Category Buyer in Towcester

Towcester Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Procurement Heads

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead procurement for new products and collaborate with design engineers on innovative solutions.
  • Company: Join a leading player in the distribution and supply chain solutions industry.
  • Benefits: Up to £50k salary, 15% bonus, hybrid work, and generous holiday allowance.
  • Other info: Enjoy free gym access, deli on-site, and excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by driving profitability and building strong supplier relationships.
  • Qualifications: Experience in sourcing or buying roles, especially with international suppliers.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Job Description

Procurement Head's Industrial team is delighted to be partnered with a leading player in the distribution and supply chain solutions industry.


They are a well-known, long-established key player in their market, experiencing a hugely impressive surge in the sales and growth. They provide everything from packaging consumables to highly advanced automated wrapping machines and specialised capex for retail distribution centres.


Due to growth, they are looking to add an additional Category Buyer to their procurement team.


We are looking to recruit an experienced, dynamic and agile Category Buyer, to lead the procurement in relation to new products.


Based 3 days a week on site in Towcester

Base salary up to £50k plus 15% bonus


Key responsibilities of the Category Buyer

The Category Buyer (NPD) will report directly into the Head of Procurement.

Working closely with the design engineers, you will take strategic responsibility for

leading the New Product Development category, involving close collaboration with design engineers to create CAPEX supply chain solutions for well-known brand retailers


As Category Buyer, you will play a pivotal role in driving the company's profitability by building strong supplier relationships and delivering innovative, cost-effective solutions for customers. You will focus on providing exceptional service and quality while ensuring the best possible pricing.


Sourcing & Supplier Management

  • Develop and execute strategic sourcing plans for new fulfilment equipment.
  • Build and drive relationships with key vendors to secure competitive pricing, favourable terms, and consistent quality of service.
  • Negotiate high-value contracts with international suppliers across various Incoterms to ensure maximum profitability.
  • Monitor and analyse market trends and consumer insights to identify opportunities for new products and cost reductions.
  • Lead category management and sourcing projects to optimise product ranges and sourcing strategies.
  • Develop exit strategies for underperforming products while maintaining overall category profitability.
  • Create and deliver long-term sourcing plans that drive continuous cost reductions and improved value.


Ideal experience for the Category Buyer

  • Relevant experience in a sourcing or buying roles, such as Project Buyer or NPD Buyer
  • Working with an international supplier base
  • An understanding of working with engineers to develop new products
  • Previous experience within CAPEX / machinery / Fulfilment equipment
  • Comprehensive knowledge of category management, sales, and marketing principles.
  • Strong understanding of end-to-end supply chain dynamics and product cost structures.


The rewards for the Category Buyer

  • Salary up to £50,000
  • Hybrid working- 3 days a week on site in beautiful Towcester offices ( Free parking, Free Gym and Deli on site)
  • Bonus - Up to 15%
  • 25 days holiday (option to buy additional 5 after probationary period)
  • Maternity pay 26 weeks full pay followed by 13 weeks statutory
  • Paternity pay 2 weeks full pay
  • Up to 15% bonus based on company performance
  • 5 x basic salary life insurance
  • Healthcare cash plan (dental, optical etc)

Category Buyer in Towcester employer: Procurement Heads

Join a dynamic and innovative team as a Category Buyer in Towcester, where you'll play a crucial role in shaping the future of supply chain solutions. Our company not only offers a competitive salary and generous bonus structure but also fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and well-being, with benefits like hybrid working, on-site amenities, and comprehensive healthcare plans. Experience the satisfaction of driving profitability while working closely with talented design engineers and building strong supplier relationships in a thriving industry.

Procurement Heads

Contact Details:

Procurement Heads Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Category Buyer in Towcester

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Category Buyer role.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its products. We want to see you shine when discussing how your experience aligns with their needs in procurement and supplier management.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your negotiation skills! Be ready to discuss past experiences where you’ve secured great deals or improved supplier relationships. This is key for a Category Buyer, and we want to hear your success stories!

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 are proactive about their job search.

We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer in Towcester

Strategic Sourcing
Supplier Relationship Management
Contract Negotiation
Market Trend Analysis
Category Management
Cost Reduction Strategies
Collaboration with Engineers

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Buyer role. Highlight your relevant experience in sourcing and buying, especially any work with international suppliers or CAPEX projects. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our procurement team. Mention specific examples of how you've built strong supplier relationships or driven cost-effective solutions in the past.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills:As a Category Buyer, you'll need to monitor market trends and consumer insights. In your application, include examples of how you've used data analysis to identify opportunities or improve product ranges. We love a numbers-savvy candidate!

Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at Procurement Heads

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of procurement and category management. Understand the latest trends in supply chain solutions, especially in relation to CAPEX and fulfilment equipment. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but are also well-informed about the industry.

Showcase Your Negotiation Skills

Prepare examples of past negotiations you've led, particularly with international suppliers. Highlight how you secured competitive pricing or favourable terms. This is crucial for a Category Buyer role, so be ready to discuss your strategies and outcomes.

Build a Connection with Design Engineers

Since you'll be working closely with design engineers, think about how you can demonstrate your collaborative skills. Share experiences where you successfully partnered with technical teams to develop new products. This will illustrate your ability to bridge the gap between procurement and engineering.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's sourcing strategies and how they approach supplier relationships. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand their expectations better. Plus, it gives you a chance to assess if the company aligns with your career goals.