At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement for service operations and aftermarket, ensuring efficient supply chain support.
- Company: Join VEV, a leader in sustainable transportation solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a commitment to sustainability and innovation.
- Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking projects that drive positive change in e-mobility.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and supplier management, preferably in technical services.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
About VEV
VEV specialises in designing and implementing scaled enterprise fleet solutions. Our expertise lies in optimising fleets, charging infrastructure, and operations to maximise the benefits of transitioning to sustainable transportation. With a wealth of experience in delivering comprehensive turnkey charging solutions at scale, we are committed to guiding organisations through a seamless transition towards a greener future.
If you are passionate about sustainable transportation, innovation, and making a positive impact, we invite you to join us at VEV. As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to work on groundbreaking projects, collaborate with industry experts, and drive meaningful change in the world of e-mobility.
Role Overview
We are seeking a Category Manager to provide day-to-day procurement support to VEV's aftermarket and service & maintenance department. The role will manage sourcing and supplier activity for technical services, field service subcontractors, repair partners, spare parts, consumables and other requirements needed to support the operational fleet.
The Category Manager will be the primary procurement contact for the Service & Maintenance team. The role will combine structured sourcing and supplier management with practical operational support, including warranty recovery, urgent service requirements and supplier-related issue resolution.
The position will also support inventory management activities, working with Service, Operations and Finance teams to maintain appropriate spare-parts availability, improve replenishment planning and provide reliable inventory reporting.
Key Responsibilities
- Aftermarket Procurement and Supplier Management
- Provide primary day-to-day procurement support to the business
- Manage sourcing activity for field-service subcontractors, maintenance providers, specialist technical services, repair partners, spare parts and consumables
- Identify, evaluate and onboard suppliers capable of supporting VEV's service network and operational requirements
- Manage requests for quotation, commercial evaluations and supplier recommendations in collaboration with relevant stakeholders
- Negotiate pricing, service rates, commercial terms, maintenance agreements and framework contracts within agreed levels of authority
- Maintain effective supplier relationships and support appropriate contract implementation and ongoing commercial management
- Spare Parts & Inventory Support
- Support procurement and replenishment of spare parts and consumables to maintain agreed service levels and stock availability
- Work with service and operations teams to translate expected maintenance demand into purchasing and replenishment requirements
- Monitor stock availability, supplier lead times, stock turns, critical spares, excess stock and potential obsolescence, escalating risks as required
- Support the development and maintenance of inventory parameters, including minimum and maximum stock levels, safety stock and reorder points
- Ensure supplier warranty replacements and repair returns are processed and replenished promptly
- Support the maintenance of accurate inventory, item, supplier and lead time data within relevant systems
- Contribute to inventory reporting and continuous-improvement initiatives aimed at improving availability and working capital efficiency
- Operational Support & Reporting
- Provide responsive procurement support for urgent service requirements and critical equipment breakdowns
- Coordinate with internal stakeholders and suppliers to resolve delivery issues affecting operational or customer performance
- Support the development and improvement of procurement and inventory processes for aftermarket and service operations
- Produce and maintain reporting on supplier performance, inventory availability, warranty recoveries, savings and service related procurement KPIs
Qualifications & Experience
- Approximately four to five years experience in procurement, category management, strategic sourcing or a related commercial role
- Experience supporting service and maintenance, aftermarket, engineering services, facilities management, industrial equipment or another operationally focused environment
- Experience sourcing and managing technical service providers, subcontractors, repair partners or equipment suppliers
- Practical experience managing sourcing exercises, commercial evaluations, negotiations and supplier contracts
- Working knowledge of spare parts procurement, inventory management and replenishments principles
- Experience supporting warranty claims, supplier returns or RMA processes
- Strong analytical skills and confidence working with supplier, purchasing and inventory data
- Knowledge of EV charging infrastructure, electrical equipment, renewable energy or industrial maintenance (desirable)
- Experience using ERP inventory management or materials planning modules (desirable)
- Experience monitoring stock turns, critical spares availability, excess inventory and obsolescence (desirable)
- Relevant degree or professional qualification in procurement, supply chain, engineering or a related field (desirable)
Additional Information
VEV is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.
Category Manager - Service Operations & Aftermarket in London employer: VEV
At VEV, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of sustainable transportation. As a Category Manager, you will not only contribute to groundbreaking projects but also benefit from extensive employee growth opportunities, competitive compensation, and a commitment to work-life balance in a location dedicated to advancing e-mobility solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Service Operations & Aftermarket in London
✨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 VEV.
✨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 - Service Operations & Aftermarket in London
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 VEV:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to VEV. 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 VEV.
How to prepare for a job interview at VEV
✨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 VEV!
✨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 VEV. 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 VEV's culture.
