At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category strategies, manage supplier relationships, and drive cost efficiencies.
- Company: Join a UK-wide group known for innovative and sustainable solutions.
- Benefits: Pension scheme, discounts, social events, and a supportive culture.
- Other info: Enjoy autonomy and excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting change focused on innovation and growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 € per year.
Buttress is a UK-wide group of specialist companies, delivering end-to-end services through a connected and collaborative approach. By combining expertise across our businesses, we provide smarter, more efficient and increasingly sustainable solutions across the commercial catering and service industries.
We are now seeking a strategic and commercially driven Category Manager to lead the development and execution of category strategies that deliver value, reduce risk, and support business objectives. In this role, you will manage supplier relationships, drive cost efficiencies, and ensure alignment with organisational goals.
Key Responsibilities- Category Strategy & Planning
- Develop and implement category strategies aligned with business objectives
- Conduct market analysis, supplier benchmarking, and industry research
- Identify cost-saving opportunities and innovation within the category
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers
- Lead supplier negotiations to secure best value (cost, quality, service)
- Monitor supplier performance using KPIs and SLAs
- Deliver cost savings and value improvements across assigned categories
- Manage budgets and track category spend
- Support forecasting and demand planning activities
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders (operations, finance, legal, etc.)
- Provide expert advice on procurement strategies and supplier selection
- Ensure alignment between procurement and business needs
- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks
- Ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements
- Support sustainability and ESG initiatives within the supply base
- Contract Management
- Support end-to-end sourcing activities (RFPs, RFQs, tenders)
- Negotiate and manage contracts to ensure value and compliance
- Proven experience in category management, procurement, or supply chain
- Strong negotiation skills with sound commercial judgement
- Experience managing supplier relationships and contracts
- Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and drive insight
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders
- Strategic thinking – able to take a long-term, value-driven approach
- Influencing and negotiation – confident in driving outcomes and challenging where needed
- Commercial awareness – understands financial impact and business priorities
- Problem-solving and decision-making – able to assess options and act decisively
- Relationship management – builds credibility and maintains strong partnerships
- CIPS qualification (or working towards)
- Experience within the warewashing or catering industry
- Knowledge of procurement systems (e.g. SAP, Coupa, Ariba)
- Pension scheme to support your future
- Access to a wide range of discounts through our Perks platform via Employment Hero
- The opportunity to represent three of the most respected brands in the industry
- A supportive, down-to-earth culture where people genuinely enjoy working together
- A social team – from informal get-togethers to our summer and Christmas parties
- Autonomy to manage your diary and approach
- The chance to be part of an exciting period of change, with a real focus on innovation — with new benefits, ways of working and development opportunities evolving as we grow.
Category Manager in Brackley employer: RGIT Australia
Buttress is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that values innovation and employee growth. As a Category Manager in Brackley, you will enjoy autonomy in your role, access to a comprehensive pension scheme, and a variety of discounts through our Perks platform, all while being part of a dynamic team that celebrates achievements together. With a focus on sustainability and continuous improvement, Buttress provides a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the future of the commercial catering and service industries.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Brackley
✨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 help you land that Category Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its competitors. We want you to be able to discuss how your strategic thinking can align with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to drive outcomes. We suggest role-playing with a friend to get comfortable with those tough conversations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Brackley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in category management, procurement, and supplier relationships. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your strategic thinking and negotiation skills that demonstrate your value to us.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires an analytical mindset, don’t forget to mention any relevant data analysis or market research experience. We love seeing how you can interpret data to drive insights and decisions!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at RGIT Australia
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of category management, especially in the catering and service industries. Familiarise yourself with current market trends, key suppliers, and potential cost-saving opportunities. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you secured value for your organisation. Be ready to discuss your approach to supplier relationships and how you've successfully navigated challenges. This is crucial as strong negotiation skills are a key requirement for the Category Manager position.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you’ve collaborated with various internal teams in previous roles. Be prepared to share specific instances where you influenced stakeholders or aligned procurement strategies with business needs. This will highlight your relationship management skills and strategic thinking.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Mindset
Brush up on your analytical skills and be ready to discuss how you interpret data to drive insights. Consider bringing examples of how you've used KPIs and SLAs to monitor supplier performance and deliver cost savings. This will showcase your ability to make data-driven decisions.
