At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive procurement strategy and build strong supplier relationships to enhance business growth.
- Company: Dynamic multi-division business with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Hybrid working model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Shape procurement strategy and make a real impact in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or category management with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Nottingham (Hybrid - minimum 2 days in the office)
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Commodity Manager / Procurement Lead to drive procurement and supply chain strategy across a growing, multi-division business. This is a key role focused on delivering value, ensuring supply continuity, and supporting business growth through strong supplier partnerships and robust procurement processes. You will take ownership of sourcing and supplier strategy across the group, helping to improve efficiency, visibility, and long-term sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a group-wide sourcing strategy to drive cost savings and performance
- Build and manage strong supplier relationships, ensuring reliability, quality, and service levels
- Lead contract negotiations and manage supplier performance
- Rationalise and optimise the supplier base while maintaining supply continuity
- Ensure procurement activities are compliant with regulatory and quality standards
- Manage risk across the supply chain, including shortages and regulatory changes
- Support business growth through procurement transformation, digitalisation, and improved processes
- Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, finance, sales, and technology teams
Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in procurement, sourcing, or category management
- Strong supplier negotiation and relationship management skills
- Commercially astute with a solid understanding of cost, margin, and total cost of ownership
- Data-driven with strong analytical capability (advanced Excel skills preferred)
- Experience working with ERP systems and procurement tools
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
The client is looking for someone who is results driven with a proactive and strategic mindset who is comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment. You will need to be collaborative, adaptable, and focused on continuous improvement. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in shaping procurement strategy within a growing organisation, with real scope to drive impact and add value.
If you have the relevant experience, please apply with a copy of your latest CV today.
Category Manager employer: SF Partners Careers
Join a dynamic and innovative technology start-up in Birmingham, where your contributions as a Mechanical Lead will directly shape the future of cutting-edge AI-enabled products. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and creativity, the company fosters a vibrant work culture that encourages personal growth and professional development, offering competitive salaries, bonuses, and a range of benefits. This is not just a job; it's an opportunity to take ownership of exciting projects and be part of a passionate team driving technological advancements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨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 SF Partners Careers.
✨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
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 SF Partners Careers:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to SF Partners Careers. 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 SF Partners Careers.
How to prepare for a job interview at SF Partners Careers
✨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 SF Partners Careers!
✨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 SF Partners Careers. 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 SF Partners Careers's culture.
