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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category strategy and supplier partnerships in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Global leader in advanced manufacturing with a reputation for engineering excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £55,000, hybrid work, and excellent benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving innovation and value in procurement.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in procurement leadership, strong negotiation skills, and attention to detail.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team at the European headquarters with growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 66000 £ per year.
A leading global manufacturer with a strong reputation for engineering excellence is seeking an experienced Category Manager to take ownership of a substantial spend portfolio across indirect goods and services, aftermarket components, and NPD support.
This is a key strategic role within a high-performing procurement function, based at the organisation’s European headquarters. Working within a collaborative and forward-thinking culture, you’ll play a pivotal part in driving value, ensuring supply continuity, and enabling innovation across the business.
The Role
- Lead category strategy development, supplier partnerships, and sourcing activity across a broad non-production portfolio.
- Develop and deliver category strategies across multiple indirect and aftermarket categories.
- Conduct spend analysis, demand forecasting and market intelligence to identify optimisation opportunities.
- Build multi-year plans for supplier development, sustainability, and risk mitigation.
- Drive alignment across departments to optimise total cost of ownership.
- Monitor KPIs and adjust strategies to deliver measurable value.
- Integrate procurement into early-stage product development activities.
- Engage suppliers early to influence cost, design and manufacturability.
- Identify, evaluate and develop suppliers globally.
- Lead RFP/RFQ processes and negotiate robust commercial agreements.
- Ensure compliance with category strategy and internal requirements.
About You
Essential:
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in a procurement leadership or management role.
- Experience working in a manufacturing or engineering environment.
- Strong commercial acumen with experience of managing significant spend and multiple projects.
- Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems.
- Excellent negotiation, problem-solving and stakeholder-management skills.
- Highly accurate with strong attention to detail.
Desirable:
- CIPS Level 4+ or relevant equivalent.
- Experience in technical manufacturing or food processing environments.
- Project management experience.
If you feel this role aligns with you, we would love to discuss the role and your experience further and look forward to your CV / Application.
Category Manager in Birmingham employer: Technical Network
Contact Detail:
Technical Network Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the manufacturing and procurement sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their products, values, and recent news. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen those skills before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your procurement leadership experience and any relevant projects you've managed. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Category Manager role. Share specific examples of your achievements in procurement and how they align with our goals at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen: Since this role requires strong commercial skills, make sure to include examples of how you've managed significant spend and driven cost optimisation in your previous roles. We love seeing numbers and results!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Technical Network
✨Know Your Categories
Before the interview, dive deep into the categories you'll be managing. Understand the latest trends in indirect goods and aftermarket components. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you've achieved significant savings or improved supplier relationships. Be ready to discuss your approach to RFP/RFQ processes and how you ensure compliance with category strategies.
✨Highlight Your Analytical Abilities
Since the role involves spend analysis and demand forecasting, come prepared with examples of how you've used data to drive decisions. Discuss any tools or systems you've used, like ERP/MRP systems, to support your analysis.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This position requires alignment across departments, so be ready to talk about how you've worked with cross-functional teams in the past. Share specific instances where your collaboration led to successful outcomes, especially in driving value and innovation.
