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- Tasks: Lead global procurement strategy for direct materials and drive supplier partnerships.
- Company: Dynamic global product supplier committed to sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a senior role influencing global procurement decisions.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in procurement and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Join a diverse team with a focus on sustainability and business growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Newly created opportunity for a Senior Category Manager / Leader Direct Procurement - chemicals for a growing global product supplier. The Senior Category Leader is a strategic role within the Group Procurement Centre of Excellence. As an owner of the Direct Materials portfolio, the role is responsible for defining and executing category strategy, driving commercial performance, securing resilient supply, and building long-term strategic partnerships with critical suppliers across the Group.
Midlands Hybrid working options + regular group travel. World-leading supplier of B2B and B2C products with c700 employees across multiple sites in the UK, Europe, the US and India. With leading brands, innovative products, and a global footprint, they are committed to delivering sustainable solutions that protect public health and work in harmony with nature.
This is a senior leadership role driving global alignment, standardisation, and best-in-class procurement across multiple business units. You will influence executive decisions and lead cost transformation, supply resilience, sustainability, and working capital optimisation.
Key Objectives- Lead the global Direct Materials category strategy, including supplier selection, strategic sourcing, cost leadership, and risk management.
- Deliver year-on-year commercial value through cost optimisation, contract negotiations, and supplier performance improvements.
- Strengthen supply resilience by managing risk, capacity, continuity, and long-term supplier partnerships.
- Drive standardisation and governance of procurement processes, specifications, and contractual frameworks across the group.
- Provide strategic insights to senior stakeholders using robust data, market intelligence, and scenario analysis.
- Category Strategy & Leadership
- Own and deliver the 05 year global Direct Materials category strategy.
- Lead strategic sourcing, supplier rationalisation, and long-term partnerships.
- Align with Operations, Engineering, NPD, Quality, Finance, and Commercial teams.
- Act as senior escalation point for supplier risk and performance.
- Commercial Delivery
- Lead high-value negotiations covering pricing, contracts, SLAs, and payment terms.
- Deliver year-on-year value through cost optimisation, inflation mitigation, PPV, and cash improvement.
- Drive structured supplier performance and development programmes.
- Risk & Governance
- Own supplier risk management across capacity, geopolitical, compliance, and financial exposure.
- Standardise procurement processes, governance, and best practice globally.
- Support strategic initiatives including outsourcing, product transitions, and footprint changes.
- Significant senior-level experience in procurement, category management to include chemicals, or sourcing leadership within manufacturing, distribution, or similar global environments.
- Proven track record of delivering commercial value, managing complex supplier portfolios, and leading global negotiations.
- Strong analytical and financial skills with experience using ERP and data tools (e.g., SAP, Dynamics 365, Power BI).
- Ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders across multiple functions and geographies.
- Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills; able to manage conflict and drive high-impact decisions.
- Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing multiple strategic projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience with commodity markets, global sourcing, and category risk management.
- Knowledge of sustainability, ESG procurement frameworks, and supplier compliance programmes.
- Professional certifications such as CIPS, APICS/CSCP, Six Sigma, or similar.
This is a rare opportunity in a senior procurement role, driving high-impact improvements that directly support business growth. Full job description available on request. Our client is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All applications will be considered. If you would like to learn more, please apply or contact Tim Hill at Technical Placements for an initial chat about the role.
Senior Category Manager Direct Chemicals in Solihull employer: Technical Placements
Contact Detail:
Technical Placements Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager Direct Chemicals in Solihull
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. We want to show that you’re not just another candidate; you’re someone who understands the market and can bring real value to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! We recommend rehearsing how you’ll present your experience and skills. Make sure you can clearly articulate how you can drive commercial performance and build long-term partnerships.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind. We want to remind them why you’re the best fit for their Senior Category Manager role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Manager Direct Chemicals in Solihull
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in procurement and category management, especially in chemicals. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this strategic role. Share specific examples of how you've driven commercial value and built long-term supplier partnerships.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical abilities, don’t forget to mention your experience with data tools like SAP or Power BI. We love seeing how you’ve used data to influence decisions and drive 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 this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Technical Placements
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the chemicals category. Understand market trends, key suppliers, and recent innovations. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Given the strategic nature of this role, be ready to discuss how you would approach category strategy and supplier selection. Think about examples from your past experiences where you've successfully driven commercial performance or managed supplier relationships.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Since strong analytical skills are essential, prepare to discuss how you've used data tools like SAP or Power BI in previous roles. Bring specific examples of how your analysis led to cost optimisations or improved supplier performance.
✨Engage with Stakeholder Scenarios
Expect questions about influencing senior stakeholders. Prepare scenarios where you've successfully navigated complex discussions or conflicts. Highlight your communication and relationship-building skills, as these will be crucial in this leadership role.