At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and negotiate contracts to drive business value.
- Company: Join Müller, a dynamic company focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy a bonus scheme, private healthcare, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by transforming procurement processes and building strong stakeholder relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Category Manager who enjoys getting under the skin of a business, challenging established thinking and turning procurement strategy into measurable results? We’re looking for a Category Manager – Professional Services to join our Indirect Procurement team and take ownership of an important area of spend. This isn't a role where you’ll simply develop a category strategy and hand it over. You’ll work across the full procurement lifecycle, combining strategic category management with hands-on delivery, from identifying opportunities and shaping sourcing strategies through to negotiation, contracting, implementation and ongoing supplier performance.
What you’ll be doing
- You’ll take ownership of your category, developing and delivering strategies that create value beyond traditional cost savings.
- Working closely with senior stakeholders across areas including HR, Finance and Legal, you’ll build a strong understanding of business requirements and use market insight, commercial expertise and data to influence decisions and identify opportunities.
- You’ll also:
- Develop and implement end-to-end category and sourcing strategies
- Lead complex sourcing activity and commercial negotiations
- Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, operating as a trusted procurement partner
- Use supplier-market insight, data, pricing models and cost drivers to identify opportunities and support commercial decisions
- Structure and optimise commercial agreements, working closely with Legal and other stakeholders
- Manage supplier relationships, performance and commercial outcomes
- Identify opportunities to improve processes and ways of working
- Support procurement transformation, including increased use of digital procurement tools and automation
- Remain involved through implementation and delivery, ensuring strategies translate into measurable business outcomes.
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for an established Category Manager with strong experience across Indirect Procurement. Experience within Professional Services or HR Services would be particularly relevant, including areas such as staffing, MSP, consulting or wider HR-related services. However, we’re also interested in strong Category Managers from other complex indirect categories who can demonstrate transferable commercial expertise.
You’ll bring:
- Strong experience developing and executing category strategies
- A commercial mindset and good understanding of supplier markets, pricing models and cost drivers
- Experience leading complex sourcing activities and negotiations
- Strong contract structuring and commercial management capability
- The credibility to influence, challenge and partner with senior stakeholders
- The ability to use data and market insight to support decisions and turn analysis into action
- Experience across end-to-end procurement processes, including Source-to-Contract and Procure-to-Pay
- A track record of delivering measurable value and business impact, not simply cost savings
- The ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution
- Experience of procurement technology such as SAP and/or Ariba, alongside an interest in process improvement and procurement transformation.
Experience within FMCG, pharmaceuticals or procurement consulting would be beneficial, but isn’t essential. Marketing category experience could also be useful.
What will make you successful
You’ll be comfortable taking ownership rather than waiting for direction. You’ll be able to move between strategy and operational delivery, challenge constructively and bring new thinking into the business. Just as importantly, you’ll understand that great procurement isn’t only about achieving a saving. It’s about making commercially sound decisions, managing risk, improving supplier performance and creating sustainable value for the wider business.
Benefits
In return for your commitment, drive and enthusiasm, we offer our employees numerous benefits as part of your employment, including:
- Bonus scheme of up to 10%
- Contributory pension plan – up to 8% matched
- Life Assurance x4 salary
- Private healthcare cover
- Employee Assistance Programme
- 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, increasing with service.
- Holiday buy/sell programme
- Flexible benefits programme
- In addition, our employees have access to a Rewards Benefits Programme, giving you a range of discounts across 800 retailers online and in store.
Category Manager in Market Drayton employer: Theo Müller
Müller Yogurt & Desserts is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Market Drayton, Shropshire, where you can kick-start your commercial career with one of the UK's leading food brands. With a strong focus on employee development, you'll gain invaluable experience working alongside seasoned professionals while enjoying competitive benefits, including a generous holiday allowance, healthcare cash plan, and opportunities for career progression within the fast-paced FMCG sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Market Drayton
✨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 Theo Müller.
✨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 Market Drayton
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 Theo Müller:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Theo Müller. 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 Theo Müller.
How to prepare for a job interview at Theo Müller
✨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 Theo Müller!
✨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 Theo Müller. 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 Theo Müller's culture.
