At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive strategic category management and deliver value through innovative sourcing strategies.
- Company: Victrex, a global leader with a collaborative culture and meaningful work.
- Benefits: Competitive rewards, flexible hybrid working, and a focus on wellbeing and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make an impact in procurement while building strong partnerships and driving cost savings.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong analytical skills, and stakeholder management.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for career development in a global environment.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 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.
NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE. At present, we are not accepting any candidates via a recruitment agency or third party. Victrex values diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community.
Senior Category Buyer in London 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 London
✨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 interviews by researching Victrex and their category management strategies. Show us that you understand their business objectives and how your experience aligns with their needs. Tailor your examples to highlight your success in cost savings and supplier relationship management.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your professionalism.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in joining Victrex and being part of our collaborative culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Buyer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Senior Category Buyer role. Highlight your experience in procurement and category management, and don’t forget to showcase those 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 strategic procurement and how your skills align with Victrex’s objectives. Keep it engaging and personal.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical capabilities, be sure to mention any tools or data analysis methods you’ve used in past roles. If you’ve worked with Power BI, give it a shout-out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your application and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Victrex Manufacturing Limited
✨Know Your Category Strategies
Before the interview, dive deep into category management principles. Be ready to discuss how you’ve developed and delivered category strategies in your previous roles. Highlight specific examples where your strategies aligned with business objectives and led to cost savings.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your analytical capabilities. Bring examples of spend analysis or market intelligence you've conducted that informed sourcing strategies. If you’ve used tools like Power BI, mention how they helped you present insights effectively.
✨Master Stakeholder Management
Think about your experiences working with cross-functional teams. Be prepared to share stories that showcase your influencing and negotiation skills. Discuss how you built strong partnerships and managed supplier relationships to achieve successful outcomes.
✨Understand Supplier Performance Metrics
Familiarise yourself with key performance indicators (KPIs) and service level agreements (SLAs) relevant to supplier management. Be ready to talk about how you’ve led performance management initiatives and what corrective actions you’ve implemented when necessary.