At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a diverse indirect spend portfolio and lead sourcing projects.
- Company: Leading UK manufacturing business with a focus on employee development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development support, and clear career progression.
- Other info: Opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals and manage supplier relationships.
- Why this job: Take ownership of categories and influence procurement strategy in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in indirect procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
A leading UK manufacturing business is seeking an Indirect Category Manager to take ownership of a diverse indirect spend portfolio across a complex, multi-site operation. This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially focused procurement professional looking to broaden their category management experience, influence senior stakeholders and develop their career within a business that actively invests in its people.
Please note: We are also considering Supplier Relationship Managers. If your experience is more aligned to strategic supplier management than category management, we'd still like to hear from you.
The Role
Reporting to the Procurement Manager, you will be responsible for managing approximately £5 million of indirect spend across a broad range of categories including MRO, engineering consumables, tooling, fleet, leasing, facilities management, soft services, oils, IT and capital expenditure. Working closely with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Finance and senior leadership teams, you will develop sourcing strategies, lead competitive tender processes, negotiate commercial agreements and drive measurable cost savings while ensuring operational continuity.
- Lead sourcing projects and category reviews through structured RFP processes.
- Manage supplier performance, contracts and service level agreements.
- Identify opportunities for cost reduction, cost avoidance and working capital improvements.
- Take ownership of key supplier relationships and contract negotiations.
- Support group-wide procurement initiatives and present progress to senior leadership.
- Manage one direct report and support their ongoing development.
- Analyse procurement data and produce meaningful reporting to support business decisions.
The Successful Applicant
You will be an experienced indirect procurement professional with a proven ability to influence stakeholders and deliver commercial value within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
You will ideally have:
- Experience managing indirect procurement categories.
- Strong sourcing, tendering and contract negotiation skills.
- Experience delivering cost savings and supplier performance improvements.
- Manufacturing, engineering or industrial sector experience.
- MCIPS qualification or be actively working towards it.
- Experience using ERP systems and advanced Excel.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- A proactive, self-motivated approach with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
What's on Offer
This role offers genuine autonomy, allowing you to take ownership of your categories while working alongside experienced procurement professionals in a collaborative environment.
Benefits include:
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Investment in professional development, including support towards MCIPS.
- Exposure to strategic sourcing and capital investment projects.
- Clear opportunities for career progression within a growing manufacturing group.
- The chance to influence procurement strategy across a high-profile industrial business.
If you're an ambitious procurement professional looking to take the next step in your career - or your background is stronger in Supplier Relationship Management - we would be delighted to discuss these opportunities with you.
Indirect Category Manager in Whittington employer: W Talent
W Talent is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering a supportive work culture in the vibrant city of Cardiff. With a strong commitment to health and safety, continuous improvement, and operational excellence, team members benefit from substantial investment in their professional development and well-being, making it a rewarding place to build a career in engineering management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Indirect Category Manager in Whittington
✨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 W Talent.
✨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 Indirect Category Manager in Whittington
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 W Talent:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to W Talent. 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 W Talent.
How to prepare for a job interview at W Talent
✨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 W Talent!
✨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 W Talent. 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 W Talent's culture.
