Category Manager / Senior Buyer | Job in Cheshire

In this dynamic and challenging role as a Category Manager/Senior Buyer with our organization, you will have the opportunity to shape the procurement strategy and drive supplier relationships within your designated categories. This position is ideal for a strategic thinker with strong negotiation skills who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys working collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

*Responsibilities: *

• Develop and execute category strategies that align with the overall business objectives, ensuring cost efficiency, quality, and innovation.
• Lead supplier negotiations, contract management, and performance measurement for your assigned categories.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders to understand their needs and develop solutions that support business growth.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and risks within your categories.
• Implement procurement policies, procedures, and best practices across the organization.
• Drive supplier relationship management initiatives, fostering strong partnerships and ensuring compliance with agreed terms and conditions.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the procurement function by identifying process inefficiencies and proposing innovative solutions.
• Provide expert advice on category-specific issues and contribute to strategic decision-making processes at both a tactical and strategic level.
• Collaborate with other Category Managers/Senior Buyers to share knowledge, best practices, and drive cross-category collaboration.

*Requirements: *

• Proven experience in a Category Management or Senior Buyer role within a complex, multi-site organization.
• Demonstrable success in developing and executing category strategies that deliver tangible business benefits.
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to manage complex supplier relationships.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make informed decisions.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex ideas clearly and concisely.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and build strong cross-functional relationships.
• Self-motivated and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Degree or equivalent qualification in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business, or related field.
• CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) membership or relevant professional certifications are desirable but not essential. Join our team as a Category Manager/Senior Buyer and make a significant impact on our procurement strategy and supplier relationships. We look forward to welcoming you!

Organizational Culture

Organizational Culture: The Heart of Our Success Joining our dynamic and diverse team as a Category Manager / Senior Buyer presents an exceptional opportunity to contribute to our mission of delivering quality products and services that exceed customer expectations while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and learning. We pride ourselves on maintaining a workplace where every individual is valued and empowered to grow both personally and professionally. Our organizational culture encourages open communication, mutual respect, and the sharing of ideas across departments and levels. We believe that this openness creates an environment where our team members can thrive, leading to exceptional results. Innovation is at the core of our identity. We embrace change and continuously strive to improve processes, systems, and products. Our Category Manager / Senior Buyer will be a vital part of this innovative spirit, seeking out new opportunities for growth and improvement in their category management responsibilities. Collaboration is another essential element of our culture. We work together to achieve common goals, share knowledge, and learn from one another's experiences. Our Category Manager / Senior Buyer will collaborate closely with various teams across the organization, ensuring seamless communication and a united front in achieving our objectives. At our organization we foster a culture of learning and development. We encourage our team members to take on new challenges, pursue further education, and expand their skillsets. Our Category Manager / Senior Buyer will have ample opportunities for professional growth within the role and beyond with support from management and mentorship programs available to all team members. As a member of our team, you'll benefit from a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and a supportive work environment. We also offer flexible working arrangements, recognizing the importance of work-life balance in promoting overall wellbeing and job satisfaction. If you share our passion for innovation, collaboration, and learning and are eager to make a significant impact on our organization and customers we invite you to apply for the Category Manager / Senior Buyer role today. Together we can continue to shape the future of our company and create lasting success.

Required Skills

*Required Skills (Category Manager / Senior Buyer) *

In our dynamic and ambitious organization we are seeking a seasoned Category Manager/Senior Buyer to join our dedicated procurement team. The ideal candidate will possess a blend of strategic thinking, analytical prowess, and exceptional leadership skills.

*Key Skills: *

• *Strategic Procurement Planning:

You will be expected to develop and execute comprehensive category strategies that align with the organization's business objectives. This includes understanding market trends, managing risk, and driving cost savings.

• *Supplier Relationship Management:

Demonstrate your ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring service delivery, quality, and value for money. Your negotiation skills will be crucial in securing favorable terms and conditions.

• *Category Expertise:

A deep understanding of various product categories is essential. This knowledge will enable you to make informed decisions, manage spend effectively, and identify opportunities for improvement.

• *Data Analysis & Reporting:

Proficiency in analyzing complex data and presenting findings in a clear, actionable manner is vital. You will be responsible for providing insights that guide procurement strategies and inform senior management.

• *Project Management:

Successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines are met and resources are allocated effectively. This includes overseeing supplier performance, contract negotiations, and implementation of new sourcing initiatives.

• *Leadership & Teamwork:

As a senior member of our team, you will lead by example, fostering a collaborative work environment that encourages continuous learning and growth. You will mentor junior team members, sharing your knowledge and experience to drive their development.

• *Communication Skills:

Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential. You will liaise with various stakeholders across the organization, as well as external suppliers, ensuring clear and concise communication at all times.

• *Continuous Improvement:

Embrace a culture of continuous improvement, constantly seeking opportunities to optimize procurement processes, leverage technology, and enhance supplier relationships.

• *Adaptability:

Proven ability to adapt quickly to changing business environments is crucial in this role. You will be expected to navigate complex situations with grace and resilience.

• *Ethics & Compliance:

Uphold the highest ethical standards and ensure all procurement activities comply with relevant laws, regulations, and our organization's code of conduct. If you possess these skills and are passionate about making a significant impact in the field of procurement we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Our team is looking forward to welcoming a new member who will contribute to our success and help shape the future of procurement within our organization.

Applicant Requirements

Thank you for considering a career opportunity within our dynamic and innovative organisation. We are currently seeking a highly motivated and experienced Category Manager/Senior Buyer to join our team in the North West region.

*Role Overview: *

The Category Manager/Senior Buyer will play a pivotal role in shaping our procurement strategy, driving category management initiatives, and ensuring the effective and efficient sourcing of goods and services. This position requires a strategic thinker with excellent negotiation skills and a deep understanding of supplier relationships.

*Key Responsibilities: *

• Lead the development and execution of category strategies to achieve cost savings, improve service levels, and mitigate risk.
• Manage complex procurement projects from initiation through to completion, working closely with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify new sources of supply, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier relationships.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align procurement activities with broader business objectives.
• Implement and maintain category management processes, tools, and systems to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activities to ensure our procurement strategies remain competitive and relevant.
• Provide thought leadership on complex issues related to procurement, supply chain, and category management.

*Qualifications: *

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. An advanced degree or relevant professional certifications (e.g., CPSM, MCIPS) are preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in procurement, category management, or supply chain roles within a large and complex organisation.
• Proven track record of successfully leading and executing procurement projects.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make informed decisions.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proficiency in using procurement tools such as Ariba, SAP, or Coupa is desirable.

*Competencies: *

• Strategic thinking and planning
• Relationship management
• Commercial acumen and financial literacy
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Influencing and persuading
• Change management
• Business acumen and understanding of procurement best practices We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our team. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. To apply for this exciting opportunity, please submit your resume and cover letter through our online application system. We look forward to hearing from you!

What to Expect

Welcome to an exciting opportunity within our dynamic team as a Category Manager / Senior Buyer! In this role, you will be responsible for driving the strategic sourcing and procurement initiatives that align with our business objectives and contribute to our organisational growth. Here's what you can anticipate:

*Category Strategy Development: *

Develop category strategies, working closely with stakeholders across various departments to understand their needs and deliver cost-effective solutions.

• *Supplier Relationship Management:

Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, ensuring they meet our quality, service, and pricing requirements.

• *Contract Negotiation:

Lead negotiations with suppliers to secure favourable terms that align with our organisation's goals and values.

• *Risk Management:

Identify potential risks in the supply chain and develop contingency plans to mitigate their impact on our business operations.

• *Performance Analysis:

Analyse spend data to identify trends, opportunities for cost savings, and areas for improvement within each category.

• *Project Management:

Oversee various procurement projects, including sourcing initiatives, supplier evaluations, and contract renewals.

• *Compliance:

Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies related to procurement.

• Proven experience in a Category Management or Senior Buyer role within a similar industry.
• Strong understanding of various sourcing strategies, negotiation techniques, and risk management principles.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret data to inform strategic decision-making.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective relationships with both internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• A degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Economics, Supply Chain Management) is desirable but not essential for candidates with extensive experience in the field. Our organisation values diversity, collaboration, and continuous learning. As part of our team, you can expect:
• A supportive work environment that encourages innovation and growth.
• Opportunities to collaborate with talented professionals across various departments.
• Regular training and development opportunities to enhance your skills and further your career.
• A competitive salary package, including benefits such as health insurance and a pension plan. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and encourage those who share our values to apply. If you're ready for a challenging and rewarding role in a dynamic organisation we look forward to hearing from you! Apply today to become a valuable member of our team as a Category Manager / Senior Buyer.

About the Company

*About the Company *

Join our dynamic and forward-thinking organization a leading player in the retail sector based in the North West region. We are committed to delivering high-quality products and exceptional customer service, making us a preferred choice for consumers across the UK. Our team is made up of passionate individuals who thrive on innovation, collaboration, and growth. We value diversity, inclusivity, and continuous learning, fostering an environment that encourages creativity and empowers our people to succeed. As a part of our company, you will have the opportunity to work with some of the best minds in the industry, contributing to our mission of bringing innovative solutions to market while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and ethical business practices. We are now seeking a talented Category Manager / Senior Buyer to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for leading category management strategies across multiple product lines, driving growth through strategic sourcing, and optimizing supply chain efficiency. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on our business while advancing your career in retail procurement. If you are a strategic thinker with a strong background in retail buying and category management we would love to hear from you! Apply today to join our team and embark on a rewarding journey towards success.

Career Progression

*Career Progression: Category Manager / Senior Buyer *

Join our dynamic and forward-thinking team as a Category Manager / Senior Buyer, and embark on an exciting journey of professional growth within a vibrant organisation committed to shaping the future of retail. This role offers a unique opportunity to apply your strategic prowess, market insight, and buying expertise to drive business success in the North West region. As a valued member of our team, you will play a pivotal role in leading category strategy, optimizing product assortments, and driving profitable growth across various product lines. Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing and implementing category strategies that maximize sales, profitability, and market share.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to analyze consumer trends, market data, and competitive intelligence to inform buying decisions.
• Negotiating with suppliers to ensure optimal pricing, product quality, and delivery schedules.
• Monitoring and reporting on category performance, making data-driven recommendations for improvement.
• Identifying new product opportunities and bringing innovative ideas to the table. To thrive in this role, you should have a minimum of 5 years' experience in buying or merchandising, preferably within the retail sector. You possess a strong understanding of consumer behavior, market dynamics, and supplier relationships. Your exceptional analytical skills, strategic thinking, and negotiating abilities will enable you to make informed decisions that drive business success. This role offers an exciting platform for career progression with opportunities to take on increased responsibility and develop your leadership skills within our organisation. We encourage applications from candidates who are eager to grow their careers in a challenging and rewarding environment. By joining our team as a Category Manager / Senior Buyer, you will not only be part of an innovative and inclusive workplace but also have the opportunity to make a significant impact on our business success in the North West region. We look forward to your application!