Category Buyer

Commercial Services Group; Aylesford; Remote; GBP 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational services provider is seeking a Category Buyer to manage supplier relationships and ensure schools in the UK have access to quality resources. Responsibilities include sourcing products, negotiating commercial terms, and supporting marketing initiatives. Ideal candidates will have strong negotiation skills and previous procurement experience. This full-time role offers competitive salary and benefits, including 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

An additional day off for your birthday

Access to retail and gym membership discount schemes

Life assurance and health cash plan

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a buying, sourcing, or procurement role.
• Confidence working with suppliers and internal teams across functions.
• Knowledge of the education market or public sector frameworks (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Managing supplier relationships and commercial agreements.
• Sourcing and reviewing products for a competitive range.
• Leading cost negotiations and agreeing terms.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Commercial awareness

Organisation and attention to detail

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Ability to manage multiple projects

Job description

Location : Remote with monthly travel to local office

Salary / package : £29,000

Contract type : Permanent

Hours : Full time

We’re looking for a commercially driven, detail-focused Category Buyer to join the growing KCS Education team, part of Commercial Services Group (CSG). In this key role, you’ll manage product ranges and supplier relationships to ensure schools across the UK get access to high-quality, cost-effective educational resources. If you enjoy negotiation, working with suppliers, and shaping product strategy — this role is for you.

Who we are

KCS is the leading supplier of education resources in the South East and is rapidly expanding across the UK. With over £25M in annual turnover, we support schools with everything from stationery to specialist equipment, all backed by outstanding customer service and procurement expertise.

Commercial Services Group (CSG) is the UK’s largest local authority‑owned trading company, with 1,800+ employees and operations in over 86 countries. With 33 trading businesses, CSG offers innovative services in education, energy, HR, legal, and procurement, delivering real value to public and private sector customers.

Why this role matters

As a Category Buyer, you’ll be central to our mission of providing schools with the best products at the best value. You’ll be responsible for sourcing new items, managing supplier performance, negotiating commercial terms, and maintaining a market‑leading range. Your contribution will help drive growth, improve margins, and ensure customer satisfaction in the education sector.

What you’ll be doing

• Managing supplier relationships and commercial agreements to maximise value
• Sourcing and reviewing products to ensure a competitive and customer‑led range
• Leading cost negotiations and agreeing terms including pricing, rebates, and marketing contributions
• Using data and market trends to inform range development and pricing strategy
• Onboarding new products and maintaining accurate product and supplier data
• Supporting marketing and sales teams with promotional campaigns and product knowledge
• Monitoring supplier performance through KPIs including availability, revenue, and compliance
• Collaborating with internal teams including inventory, procurement, finance, and customer services

What we’re looking for

• Previous experience in a buying, sourcing, or procurement role
• Strong negotiation skills and commercial awareness
• Excellent organisation and attention to detail
• Confidence working with suppliers and internal teams across functions
• Ability to manage multiple projects and product lifecycles simultaneously
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
• Knowledge of the education market or public sector frameworks (desirable)

What you’ll get in return

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• An additional day off for your birthday
• Access to retail and gym membership discount schemes
• Life assurance and health cash plan
• A collaborative, growth‑oriented work culture
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression

Why CSG?

With over £800 million in annual revenue and consistent growth of 25% year‑on‑year, CSG is a purpose‑driven business delivering commercial services with social value. To date, we’ve returned over £77 million to the public sector. When you join CSG, you’re part of something bigger driving impact while building a meaningful career.

Inclusion & Accessibility

We’re committed to creating an inclusive, accessible workplace where everyone is supported to succeed. If you need adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know — we’re here to help.