At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage key indirect spend categories for a top manufacturer.
- Company: Join an industry-leading manufacturer known for innovation and employee development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Enjoy autonomy and influence in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving cost savings and supplier performance in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
- Category Manager (25130) Birmingham, England
- Category Manager
About the Role
An industry-leading manufacturer is looking to appoint an experienced Category Manager to lead the sourcing and management of key indirect spend categories, including IT, HR, Professional Services, Facilities, and Factory Services.
This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of procurement strategy across multiple business functions, driving cost savings, supplier performance, and value creation while supporting the wider business through strategic sourcing initiatives.
Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will lead end-to-end procurement activities, develop category strategies, manage complex tenders, and build long-term supplier partnerships that deliver commercial and operational benefits.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement procurement strategies across a range of indirect spend categories.
- Lead end-to-end tendering activities, including RFIs, RFQs, ITTs, supplier evaluations, negotiations, and contract awards.
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, driving performance, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Negotiate commercial agreements to achieve cost savings, improve service levels, and minimise risk.
- Develop and execute category plans aligned with business objectives.
- Identify new sourcing opportunities and suppliers to support business growth and operational excellence.
- Partner with internal stakeholders to understand business requirements and provide strategic procurement support.
- Monitor supplier performance through KPIs, contract reviews, and regular business reviews.
- Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, governance, and contractual obligations.
- Support and influence wider procurement initiatives, delivering value across the organisation.
About You
You'll be an experienced procurement professional with a proven track record of managing indirect procurement categories and delivering successful sourcing strategies.
You will be commercially minded, confident leading negotiations, and capable of building strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders alike.
You'll enjoy working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and be motivated by identifying opportunities to improve cost, quality, and supplier performance.
Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in a Procurement Manager, Category Manager, Senior Buyer, Strategic Buyer, or similar role.
- Strong experience managing indirect procurement categories such as IT, HR, Facilities, Professional Services, or Factory Services.
- Demonstrable experience leading complex tender processes and supplier negotiations.
- Strong contract management and supplier relationship management experience.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Commercially focused with strong analytical and negotiation abilities.
- Experience within manufacturing, FMCG, or an industrial environment would be advantageous.
- MCIPS qualified or working towards MCIPS is desirable but not essential.
- What's on Offer
This is an opportunity to join a well-established business with an excellent reputation for innovation, quality, and employee development.
You'll have the autonomy to influence procurement strategy, lead high-value sourcing projects, and play a key role in delivering commercial value across the organisation.
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Category Manager in Birmingham employer: Talent Solutions RPO
At Elkes, we pride ourselves on our commitment to employee development and fostering a collaborative work culture. As a Bakery Training Lead in Uttoxeter, you will have the opportunity to shape the training strategy and lead a dedicated team, all while enjoying a flexible working environment that values your contributions. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a fast-paced manufacturing setting where your growth and success are our priorities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Birmingham
✨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 Talent Solutions RPO.
✨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 Birmingham
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 Talent Solutions RPO:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Talent Solutions RPO. 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 Talent Solutions RPO.
How to prepare for a job interview at Talent Solutions RPO
✨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 Talent Solutions RPO!
✨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 Talent Solutions RPO. 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 Talent Solutions RPO's culture.
