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- Tasks: Lead sourcing activities and manage supplier relationships to optimise costs and value.
- Company: Join Swissport, a global leader in sustainable aviation services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on procurement strategies in a fast-paced, multinational setting.
- Qualifications: Degree qualified with 3-5 years in procurement or category management.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and exposure to strategic procurement activities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Runcorn, Liverpool, UK Headquarters.
Contract: Full-time, Permanent (Hybrid)
Join Swissport and help shape the future of our Procurement function. We’re looking for a proactive and commercially minded Category Buyer to support our UK&I Procurement team. This role offers the opportunity to manage a diverse portfolio of indirect spend categories, while also supporting direct categories where needed. If you thrive in a fast‑paced environment, enjoy building strong supplier relationships, and are motivated by delivering value, this could be the perfect next step in your career.
As a Category Buyer, you’ll play a key role in sourcing, supplier management, and cost/value optimisation across the organisation. Working closely with internal stakeholders, you’ll help ensure we secure high‑quality goods and services at competitive terms, while driving efficiency, innovation, and continuous improvement. Our Procurement team manages a significant external spend portfolio, making this role an important contributor to Swissport’s operational and commercial success.
About us: Swissport is a global leader in sustainable, responsible aviation services, committed to safety, operational excellence, and delivering exceptional experiences. With a team of 61,000 colleagues, we support the smooth running of global aviation — serving 247 million passengers, handling 5 million tons of air freight, and welcoming 6.2 million lounge customers every year. Operating at around 300 airports across 45 countries.
Responsibilities:
- Lead end‑to‑end sourcing activities for assigned categories, including RFIs, RFPs, RFQs, and contract negotiations.
- Manage supplier relationships and monitor performance to ensure service levels, quality, and compliance are consistently met.
- Analyse market trends, supplier performance, and spend data to identify opportunities for savings, efficiency, and risk reduction.
- Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders to understand business needs and align category strategies with organisational goals.
- Track and report on category performance, supplier KPIs, and cost/value delivery.
- Support ad hoc procurement projects, including direct categories as required.
- Ensure all procurement activity adheres to company policies, procedures, and ethical standards.
Qualifications:
- Degree qualified (essential). A related field such as Business, Supply Chain, or Procurement is desirable but not essential.
- CIPS qualification preferred.
Experience and Skills:
- 3–5 years’ experience in procurement or category management, ideally with exposure to indirect categories and some involvement in direct categories.
- Strong negotiation and supplier management capabilities, with a proven ability to deliver value.
- Experience managing multiple procurement categories or services is desirable.
- Excellent analytical, organisational, and project management skills.
- Confident communicator with strong stakeholder management abilities.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and familiar with procurement/ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Zycus, or similar.
Key Competencies:
- Commercial awareness and strategic thinking
- Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making
- Influencing and negotiation skills
- Analytical mindset and data‑driven approach
- Effective stakeholder engagement
- Adaptability and resilience
- Strong project management and organisational skills
- High attention to detail
- Ethical, compliant, and professional approach
- Continuous improvement mindset
- Collaborative team player
Why Join Us?
- Opportunity to influence significant spend across a complex, multinational organisation.
- Exposure to strategic procurement activity with clear scope to drive value and efficiency.
- Professional development through structured training, CIPS support, and career progression pathways.
- Collaborative environment working with senior stakeholders across UK&I operations.
- Competitive compensation and benefits aligned with UK standards.
- Strong organisational commitment to sustainability, recognised with an EcoVadis Platinum rating.
- Joining Swissport means becoming part of a diverse, international team committed to innovation, efficiency, and delivering trusted service every day.
Category Buyer in Runcorn employer: Swissport International AG
Contact Detail:
Swissport International AG Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer in Runcorn
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Swissport and understanding their procurement strategies. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your skills align with our goals and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Buyer, you'll need to showcase your ability to drive value. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining the Swissport team.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer in Runcorn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Category Buyer role. Highlight your procurement experience, especially in managing indirect categories, and don’t forget to showcase your negotiation skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about procurement and how your background aligns with our values at Swissport. Be sure to mention any relevant projects or achievements.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: As a Category Buyer, you'll need strong analytical abilities. In your application, provide examples of how you've used data to drive decisions or improve processes in previous roles. Numbers speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to see your application and get you into the process. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Swissport International AG
✨Know Your Categories
Before the interview, dive deep into the categories you'll be managing. Understand market trends, key suppliers, and potential challenges. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also your readiness to tackle the role head-on.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you delivered value. Be ready to discuss your approach to supplier management and how you've built strong relationships. This is crucial for a Category Buyer, so make it count!
✨Understand Swissport's Values
Familiarise yourself with Swissport’s commitment to sustainability and operational excellence. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission in procurement.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the procurement strategies and challenges at Swissport. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your career goals.
