At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and develop category strategies to optimise spend and drive innovation.
- Company: Join a leading food manufacturer with a focus on growth and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: UK-based role with travel across Europe and excellent career development prospects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a strategic role that shapes the future of procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic procurement and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.
Looking for a role where you can develop short/long-term plans to optimise spend, reduce total cost of ownership and align with company goals? We have partnered with a food manufacturer looking for a Strategic Category Manager to lead the commercial and supplier agenda for key categories across our UK and European businesses. This is a strategic role, not a transactional one. You'll bring market insight, long-range planning and cross-functional leadership to help us grow profitably, build resilient supply and bring new ideas to market faster.
What you'll do:
- Build a clear fact base covering spend, demand, supply markets, cost drivers and risks, and turn it into sourcing roadmaps and decisions.
- Develop three-year category strategies and annual execution plans, aligned with business growth priorities and our global procurement agenda.
- Lead strategic sourcing end to end, from market engagement and RFI to should-cost analysis, negotiation and contracting.
- Deliver measurable value through competitive sourcing, specification optimisation, cost avoidance, payment terms and supplier-enabled innovation.
- Partner with Commercial, R&D, Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance, Legal and Sustainability to support growth, innovation and capacity expansion.
- Bring suppliers into the growth agenda early, and lead strategic supplier relationship management, including business reviews and joint improvement plans.
- Identify and mitigate supply, capacity, financial, regulatory and geopolitical risks, with qualified alternatives and continuity plans in place.
- Track commodity, packaging, logistics and regulatory developments, and give the business timely recommendations.
What success looks like:
- Approved category strategies with clear value, growth, risk and innovation roadmaps.
- Productivity, cost avoidance and working capital targets delivered, with benefits validated alongside Finance.
- Better supply continuity, contract coverage and supplier performance.
- Supplier-enabled innovation that supports business growth.
What you'll bring:
- Essential: Significant strategic procurement or category management experience in food, FMCG, manufacturing or another complex supply environment.
- Ownership of category strategies and end-to-end strategic sourcing, including complex negotiations and contract implementation.
- A strong grasp of category economics, cost drivers, supply markets and total-cost analysis.
- Experience influencing senior stakeholders without direct authority.
- Commercial, financial and analytical skills, including spend analysis, business cases and benefit tracking.
- Working knowledge of supplier quality, food safety, continuity and risk requirements.
- Clear communication skills, and comfort managing ambiguity and multiple priorities across markets.
- Desirable: A degree or equivalent experience in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business, Finance or Engineering.
- CIPS/MCIPS or an equivalent qualification.
- Experience sourcing across the UK and continental Europe.
- Knowledge of contract law, responsible sourcing and UK/EU regulation.
- Experience with e-sourcing, spend analytics and supplier performance platforms.
How we work: You'll report to the Head of Procurement and work closely with regional and global procurement colleagues. The business values strategic and commercial thinking, constructive challenge, collaboration and integrity. You'll own your categories, but you'll succeed by bringing others with you.
Location: UK-based, with regular supplier and business travel across the UK and Europe.
Package: £60,000 - £65,000 Bonus.
Interested? Send us your CV or get in touch with Wayne for an informal conversation first.
Senior Category Manager in Andover employer: The Sterling Choice Ltd
Join a dynamic team where your skills as a Multi-Skilled Shift Engineer will be truly valued and rewarded. Our company fosters a culture of continuous improvement and professional development, ensuring that career progression is not just a promise but a reality. Located in a vibrant area, we offer competitive benefits, a supportive work environment, and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology in a fast-paced production setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager in Andover
✨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 The Sterling Choice Ltd.
✨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 Senior Category Manager in Andover
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 The Sterling Choice Ltd:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to The Sterling Choice Ltd. 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 The Sterling Choice Ltd.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Sterling Choice Ltd
✨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 The Sterling Choice Ltd!
✨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 The Sterling Choice Ltd. 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 The Sterling Choice Ltd's culture.
