At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category strategies for indirect spend, driving cost savings and supplier performance.
- Company: Join Scott Bader, a pioneering employee-owned manufacturer with a century of innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, enhanced pension, private medical insurance, and 25 days leave.
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant workplace with opportunities for volunteering and community support.
- Why this job: Shape procurement processes and make a real impact in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in indirect procurement, strong negotiation skills, and analytical mindset required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
As our new Category Manager, you will lead the development and delivery of category strategies across a broad portfolio of indirect spend areas, including professional services, logistics, facilities management, IT, MRO, utilities and capex projects, representing £40–£50m per year. Working closely with the Head of Indirect and Capex Procurement, you’ll drive cost savings, enhance supplier performance and help embed robust procurement processes in an environment where there is real opportunity to shape and elevate procurement maturity. Operating within the wider global supply chain, you’ll leverage opportunities for global savings and secure the lowest total cost to the business. You will develop and execute category supply strategies that deliver measurable benefits in working capital improvement, cost reduction, supplier rationalisation, process improvement and effective cost control.
Some of your key responsibilities:
- Develop and deliver 3–5 year category strategies for indirect spend, aligned to business objectives and stakeholder needs.
- Lead competitive sourcing activities, RFx processes and contract negotiations to drive value, mitigate risk and protect commercial interests.
- Build strong supplier partnerships, manage performance and drive continuous improvement and innovation.
- Conduct spend analysis to identify consolidation, standardisation and cost efficiency opportunities across sites.
- Embed robust procurement processes, governance frameworks and performance metrics to enhance visibility and control.
- Partner with key stakeholders across finance, operations and engineering to support a more strategic, commercially focused procurement function.
What do I need to be successful in this role?
- Proven experience in indirect procurement across multiple spend categories, with full end-to-end procurement cycle expertise.
- Strong commercial acumen, negotiation and contract management skills, with a track record of delivering cost savings and value improvements.
- Analytical mindset with advanced Excel capability, confidence using ERP/MRP systems, and strong data analysis skills.
- Ability to build effective relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels, working collaboratively within multifunctional teams.
What’s in it for me?
- A competitive salary alongside inclusion into our company bonus scheme.
- Enhanced employer pension contribution whereby Scott Bader will contribute a maximum of 2x your contribution, up to a maximum of 10%.
- Private medical insurance alongside a host of further discounts and employee benefit schemes.
- 25 days annual leave entitlement plus Bank Holidays – We also offer the opportunity to purchase an additional 5 day’s annual leave in case you need a couple of extra days.
- We offer all our employees one full day per year to complete volunteering work of your choice which is fully paid.
- If you are thinking about fundraising for your favourite charity or local community event, we will happily match the funds that you have raised up to a maximum of £1000 in any one year.
Who are Scott Bader?
Scott Bader is an employee-owned global manufacturer of advanced composites, structural adhesives and functional polymers. Established in 1921, we have a century of expertise in manufacturing high-quality, innovative products for a variety of markets around the world. Scott Bader now employs 800 people across 7 manufacturing sites and 18 offices worldwide. We are committed to expanding our global reach, with recent ventures including North America, India, Japan and Australia, while continuing to build on our reputation for innovation, outstanding quality and technical expertise.
Diversity & Inclusion
Our aim is to create an environment that is welcoming to all people, and ensures we treat each other and customers with respect. We appreciate different and fresh ways of thinking, encouraging innovation where colleagues feel they can express their views freely, and create a working atmosphere in which everyone is able to deliver a high‑quality service.
Category Manager in Northampton employer: Scott Bader
Scott Bader is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation at their UK manufacturing site. Employees benefit from a comprehensive package including enhanced pension schemes, private medical insurance, and generous holiday allowances, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and development within the engineering field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Northampton
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Scott Bader.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Scott Bader:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Scott Bader. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Scott Bader.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scott Bader
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Scott Bader!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Scott Bader. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Scott Bader's culture.
