At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive impactful category strategies and manage supplier relationships for cost savings and quality improvements.
- Company: Join Sandvik, a leader in manufacturing and engineering with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, pension contributions, and a discretionary bonus scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity for international travel and excellent career development in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in procurement while working with top suppliers and enhancing supply chain resilience.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic procurement within manufacturing or engineering sectors is essential.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Vickerstock are working exclusively with Sandvik on the appointment of a Category Lead on a full-time permanent basis (40 hours). As the Category Lead, you will be responsible for driving high-impact category strategies that deliver measurable cost savings, improved quality and enhanced supply chain resilience across critical components and services. The role plays a key part in aligning procurement activity to business objectives, unlocking value through strategic sourcing, strong supplier partnerships and continuous improvement.
Key responsibilities include:
- Develop, own and execute robust category strategies across assigned spend areas including (but not limited to) metal fabrications, hydraulics, electrical components and vehicle or machine parts.
- Lead end-to-end supplier management activities within your categories, encompassing contract negotiation, change management, pricing and payment queries, supplier classification and ongoing supplier relationship management.
- Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key strategic suppliers to drive performance improvements, innovation, quality, service and full commercial and regulatory compliance.
- Manage and track design change implementation to ensure continuity of supply and accurate transition of parts into production.
Requirements:
- Demonstrable experience in a strategic procurement position.
- Experience within manufacturing, engineering, aerospace or automotive industries.
- Experience in areas such as metal fabrications, hydraulics, electrical components or vehicle machine parts.
- Ability to travel internationally to visit suppliers.
For a confidential conversation on how Vickerstock can help support you with your next move, get in touch with our supply chain consultant Michael Irwin today.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category/Purchasing Manager (Permanent)
✨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 Vickerstock.
✨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/Purchasing Manager (Permanent)
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 Vickerstock:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Vickerstock. 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 Vickerstock.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vickerstock
✨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 Vickerstock!
✨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 Vickerstock. 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 Vickerstock's culture.
