At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing strategies for MRO and automotive parts across Europe and Asia-Pacific.
- Company: Join Avis Budget Group, a leader in the rental industry with a global presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities to influence and innovate.
- Why this job: Make an impact by driving cost savings and operational excellence in procurement.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in procurement with expertise in MRO and auto parts required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
The Category Manager – MRO, Maintenance & Automotive Damage Parts will be based in our Bracknell, UK office and will lead the development of sourcing and supplier strategies for Avis Budget Group’s spend across hundreds of rental locations in Asia-Pacific and Europe. This role is responsible for developing and supporting the execution of end-to-end category procurement strategies, managing supplier performance, and driving cost savings while ensuring operational excellence. The position requires deep expertise in MRO and automotive parts, including vended maintenance, as well as strong collaboration skills to effectively align with cross-functional stakeholders.
What you’ll do
- Strategic Sourcing & Vendor Management: Develop and implement comprehensive aligned sourcing strategies for MRO / auto parts as well as vended maintenance. Ensure the development of agreements and supplier relationships which secure competitive terms and conditions to mitigate risks related to cost volatility, regulations, and market dynamics. Drive compliance to sourcing strategies across a fragmented supplier base, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and delivery of savings goals. Build and maintain supplier relationships through Supplier Relationship Management (SRM), maximizing value across cost, service, and quality.
- Operational & Global Alignment: Work closely with the regional and local procurement operations teams to ensure development of the most cost-efficient, service-optimized supply chains from suppliers to retail sites which includes creation and operationalization of best-in-class inventory management processes. Support the development and implementation of standardized international procurement practices. Share and leverage cross-market best practices to enhance global procurement performance. Collaborate closely with operations, finance, and global procurement teams to ensure strategies meet business needs and deliver measurable outcomes.
- Risk & Performance Management: Monitor supplier performance, ensuring accountability to service levels, quality standards, and contractual obligations. Proactively identify and address supply chain, labor, and cost-related risks. Develop and report on KPIs to measure savings, compliance, and overall supplier effectiveness.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) preferred.
- 5+ years of progressive procurement experience, with expertise in MRO, auto parts, vended maintenance industries.
- Proven success in building and executing sourcing strategies across fragmented supplier bases, including driving compliance and alignment.
- Strong stakeholder management and collaboration skills with the ability to influence across functions and levels.
- Solid negotiation, contracting, and supplier relationship management skills.
- Strong analytical and communication abilities with a track record of delivering business-aligned procurement outcomes.
Procurement Category Manager - Damage in Bracknell employer: United Kingdom Avis Budget Services Limited
At Avis Budget Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Bracknell that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training programmes and opportunities for advancement within the global procurement landscape. Join us to be part of a team that values strategic thinking and operational excellence while enjoying competitive benefits and a supportive culture.
Contact Details:
United Kingdom Avis Budget Services Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Manager - Damage in Bracknell
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We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Category Manager - Damage in Bracknell
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 United Kingdom Avis Budget Services Limited:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to United Kingdom Avis Budget Services Limited. 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 United Kingdom Avis Budget Services Limited.
How to prepare for a job interview at United Kingdom Avis Budget Services Limited
✨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 United Kingdom Avis Budget Services Limited!
✨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 United Kingdom Avis Budget Services Limited. 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 United Kingdom Avis Budget Services Limited's culture.
