At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships for indirect goods and services.
- Company: Join Unipart, a leader in supply chain performance improvement.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 33 days holiday, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable supply chains while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in category sourcing and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 46000 £ per year.
About the Role
You’ll have an important part to play supporting the Procurement Manager in leading and managing the procurement of indirect goods and services. You will provide a timely and cost-effective procurement category strategy and expertise to stakeholders across the Unipart portfolio of sites and clients.
Here at Unipart we don’t just have a way of working, we have The Unipart Way. It allows everyone in our team to pursue their own personal and professional goals to a world class level, through Unipart's ‘Gate to Great’ training and development program.
As a Category Manager you will promote the procurement platform whilst driving improvements in the stakeholder experience, working collaboratively with all functions to drive alignment of best procurement practice and maximise opportunities for Unipart.
As part of your key responsibilities you’ll:
- Develop and implement commercial sourcing strategies for indirect services and goods, delivering VFM and cost reduction across multiple categories, sectors, and clients
- Ensure suitable ongoing contractual coverage for key services and goods, reviewing and negotiating contract terms to mitigate commercial exposure to Unipart
- Manage key supplier relationships for long-term strategic partnering and benefit opportunities
- Support internal stakeholders and commercial account teams through key supplier performance reviews, engagement, and presentations to clients
- Implement procurement policies, processes, and procedures to help protect and advance the business, acting as an expert point of contact for senior stakeholders
- Manage change by effective procurement leadership through utilisation of The Unipart Way principles and deputising for the Procurement Manager when required
About You
We’d love you to have the following skills and experience, but please apply if you think you’d be able to perform well in this role!
- Previous experience in multiple category sourcing, delivering significant savings and innovative solutions
- Strong negotiation skills and an understanding of standard terms and conditions to mitigate legal and commercial risk.
- Excellent relationship-building skills and the ability to confidently influence senior-level internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong IT, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities. Highly organised, able to prioritise, and adaptable to a fast-paced environment.
- A clear, concise, and engaging communicator at all levels, with a strong customer focus and collaborative approach
- Awareness of ISO 20400 and experience in contributing to sustainability/Net Zero targets
- MCIPS qualified
- Good knowledge of SAP MRP
About Unipart
We are a supply chain performance improvement partner. We Design, Make, Move, and Improve components in our customers’ supply chains, keeping their operations and assets moving and working better, for longer. Through our commitment to continuously driving operational efficiencies, we improve performance - saving time, cost, and carbon. Our ambition is to be the driving force behind efficient, resilient, and sustainable supply chains.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
We believe that a great workplace is one where you can bring your whole self to work. Our recruitment process is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and based entirely on merit. We define merit through a combination of technical skills and the core behaviours that help our people thrive at Unipart. We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of background or circumstances. We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity that exceeds our statutory obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and subsequent legislation. Whether it’s your age, disability, neurodiversity, gender identity, family status, or any other characteristic that makes you ‘you’ - it is your talent and potential that we value most.
Adjustments for you: We want you to perform at your best. If you require any reasonable adjustments or have specific accessibility needs at any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know. We are here to support you.
Category Manager in Doncaster employer: Unipart Rail
Unipart is an exceptional employer located in Doncaster, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises personal and professional growth through initiatives like 'Gate to Great' training. With competitive benefits including 33 days of holiday, a flexible benefits scheme, and a commitment to equality and inclusion, Unipart fosters an environment where employees can thrive while contributing to sustainable supply chain solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Doncaster
✨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 Unipart Rail.
✨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 Doncaster
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 Unipart Rail:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Unipart Rail. 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 Unipart Rail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Unipart Rail
✨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 Unipart Rail!
✨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 Unipart Rail. 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 Unipart Rail's culture.
