At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive strategic category management and deliver value through innovative sourcing strategies.
- Company: Join Victrex, a global leader with a collaborative culture and meaningful work.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive rewards, flexible hybrid working, and a focus on wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make an impact in procurement while building strong partnerships across the organisation.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong analytical skills are essential.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 ÂŁ per year.
We are looking for an experienced Senior Category Buyer to play a key role in delivering value through strategic category management. You will support and drive the execution of category strategies across indirect spend, shaping long‑term sourcing decisions that align with Victrex’s strategic objectives. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with cross‑functional stakeholders, influence at all levels, and manage complex supplier relationships in a global, regulated environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver short, medium and long‑term category strategies aligned to business objectives
- Identify and implement cost reduction and productivity initiatives to deliver annual savings targets
- Conduct spend analysis and market intelligence to inform sourcing strategies and improve long‑term cost position
- Lead supplier performance management, including KPIs, SLAs and corrective actions
- Identify, evaluate and onboard new suppliers, leading bid evaluations and selection activities
- Build strong partnerships with internal stakeholders to deliver sourcing projects and category plans
- Develop and manage supplier risk mitigation plans, including contractual and supply risk
- Support governance processes by ensuring appropriate commercial and contractual controls are in place
- Provide ad‑hoc support to approved purchasers, ensuring compliance with procurement processes
What You’ll Bring
- Proven experience in procurement or supply chain roles within a multinational or complex, capital‑intensive environment
- Strong understanding of category management principles and cross‑functional working
- Demonstrated success in delivering cost savings and value‑led sourcing programmes
- Excellent stakeholder management, influencing and negotiation skills
- Experience of supplier relationship management and performance improvement
- Strong analytical capability, with confidence presenting insights and recommendations
- Experience working with international contracts and managing variation control
- Comfortable using data and tools (including Power BI) to support decision‑making
Qualifications
- CIPS / MCIPS qualified or working towards (desirable)
What We Offer
At Victrex, you’ll find a collaborative culture, meaningful work and opportunities to develop your career in a global organisation. We offer competitive reward, flexible hybrid working, and a strong focus on wellbeing, inclusion and continuous improvement.
Interested? If you’re motivated by strategic procurement, value creation and building strong partnerships, we’d love to hear from you.
Victrex values diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community.
Senior Category Buyer in England employer: Victrex Manufacturing Limited
Contact Detail:
Victrex Manufacturing Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Buyer in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement world and let them know you're on the hunt for a Senior Category Buyer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your category management principles. Be ready to discuss how you've delivered cost savings and built strong supplier relationships in the past. We want to see your analytical skills shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Check out our website for openings at Victrex, where you can find roles that match your expertise in strategic procurement.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Buyer in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Senior Category Buyer role. Highlight your procurement experience, especially in strategic category management, and don’t forget to mention any cost-saving initiatives you've led!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about procurement and how your background makes you a perfect fit for Victrex. Be sure to mention your experience with supplier relationships and stakeholder management.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical capabilities, include examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles. If you've worked with tools like Power BI, make sure to mention that too!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Victrex!
How to prepare for a job interview at Victrex Manufacturing Limited
✨Know Your Category Management Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on category management principles before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've developed and executed category strategies in the past, especially in complex environments. This will show that you understand the role and can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to present examples of how you've used data analysis to inform sourcing strategies. Bring along insights from previous spend analyses or market intelligence you've conducted. This will demonstrate your strong analytical capability and confidence in presenting recommendations.
✨Highlight Stakeholder Management Experience
Think of specific instances where you've successfully managed relationships with cross-functional stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you influenced decisions at various levels and built partnerships to deliver sourcing projects. This is key for the role!
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to supplier performance management or risk mitigation. Prepare your thought process on how you'd handle these scenarios, showcasing your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.