At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to shape procurement strategies and manage major projects.
- Company: Join Arriva, a leading provider of passenger transport across Europe.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our talent strategy.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment that connects communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and analytical abilities.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
Category Manager - Indirect Closing date: 4th October 2025 Location: Birmingham / Hybrid Salary: Circa £58K
Are you ready to make a real impact in a business that connects communities across the country?
We’re looking for a forward-thinking and commercially savvy Category Manager - Indirect to lead a small team and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of procurement at Cross Country.
This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of the full end-to-end procurement journey - from market engagement and tender management to contract award and supplier relationship development.
You’ll help drive value, quality and governance across our organisation, delivering regulated procurements under the Procurement Act 2023 as well as non-regulated activity.
- What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead and motivate a small team while reporting directly into the Head of Procurement & Property.
- Implement and continuously improve procurement processes to ensure smooth, compliant operations across the business.
- Shape procurement strategies that deliver value for money, including opportunities such as supplier consolidation and innovation.
- Build and maintain an aligned, forward-looking procurement pipeline to meet business needs.
- Manage major procurement projects - both regulated and non-regulated - producing high-quality tender documents, evaluation frameworks and reports.
- Collaborate with business stakeholders to understand their needs and help identify best-fit solutions.
- Foster strong relationships with existing and potential suppliers through structured supplier relationship management.
- Partner with legal and procurement colleagues to ensure adherence to contractual terms and protect Cross Country’s commercial interests.
- Drive supplier performance, resolve service issues, and ensure non-conformances are addressed promptly.
- Support process improvements that strengthen resilience and efficiency across the supply chain.
- Identify, deliver and track cost savings, commercial opportunities and added value.
- Benchmark supplier performance and negotiate contract changes to ensure continuous value delivery.
- Present strategies, pricing recommendations and insights to senior leadership.
- Leverage data analysis, demand profiling and market insights to inform pricing and supplier strategies.
- Be an expert user of Purchase-to-Pay systems and help promote best practice across the organisation.
- Maintain deep knowledge of supply markets, trends and key suppliers.
- Work collaboratively with Group Procurement and AUKT Central Procurement on cross-group initiatives.
- Utilise Crown Commercial Service (CCS) frameworks where appropriate.
- Carry out any additional duties as required by the Head of Procurement & Property.
- Sustainable Procurement
- Help drive a more responsible, ethical and sustainable supply chain by:
- Supporting the development and communication of a Sustainable Procurement Policy that improves value, conserves resources and reduces environmental impact.
- Championing local procurement and opportunities for SMEs wherever possible.
- Ensuring fair pricing, contract terms and full adherence to ethical, human rights and labour standards, aligned with Arriva’s Responsible Procurement Policy and Code of Conduct.
About You
We’re looking for someone who brings
- Proven experience compiling robust tender and commercial documentation.
- Experience running tenders and leading complex procurement activities.
- Strong negotiation skills with a track record of delivering successful commercial outcomes.
- Experience procuring direct and indirect goods and services - ideally within IT, rail or transport environments.
- Strong understanding of technical services supply markets.
- Excellent stakeholder relationship skills, with the ability to influence and support decision-making.
- Strong analytical and spend analysis skills, including advanced Excel capability.
- Membership of CIPS (or working towards it).
- We Value Diversity
We recognise the importance of the diverse experiences, talents and cultures our people bring.
Inclusion is at the heart of our talent strategy, and a diverse workforce is essential to unlocking potential and driving our success.
Arriva is a leading provider of passenger transport across Europe, employing around 34,400 people and delivering around 1.6 billion passenger journeys.
With buses, trains, coaches, trams, waterbuses, bike-sharing systems, on-demand transport solutions and a rolling stock leasing company, Arriva proudly connects people and communities safely, reliably and sustainably across 11 countries, delivering these services in a better way, every day.
The activities of Arriva are divided into four business units: UK Bus, UK Trains, The Netherlands and Mainland Europe.
Arriva has passenger transport operations in the Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and the United Kingdom, and also operates a rolling stock leasing company in Romania.
Thank you for your interest in working on our team!
Our expansion is opening up exciting prospects!
As our team grows, we’re on the lookout for the brightest talent to join us.
Our ongoing success hinges on this!
After reviewing our available positions, we encourage you to apply to those that resonate with your skills.
We’re grateful for your consideration to become a part of our dynamic team!
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Category Manager - Indirect employer: XC Trains Limited
CrossCountry is an exceptional employer that prioritises a vibrant work culture and employee growth, making it an ideal place for Retail Service Managers in Edinburgh. With a competitive salary structure, comprehensive training, and generous holiday allowances, we ensure our team members feel valued and supported. Join us to be part of a diverse workforce that celebrates individuality while delivering outstanding customer service on our trains.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Indirect
✨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 XC Trains Limited.
✨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 - Indirect
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 XC Trains Limited:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to XC Trains Limited. 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 XC Trains Limited.
How to prepare for a job interview at XC Trains Limited
✨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 XC Trains Limited!
✨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 XC Trains Limited. 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 XC Trains Limited's culture.
