Category Buyer

Ground Control; Chelmsford; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading grounds maintenance company in the UK seeks a Category Buyer for a 6-month fixed-term contract. You will develop category strategies and manage supplier relationships. Ideal candidates have procurement expertise and strong analytical skills. The role offers a competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for career growth and development.

Benefits

23 days holiday plus bank holidays

Yearly bonus scheme

Robust pension scheme

Employee support services

Free or subsidised gym memberships

Employee Recognition Scheme

Volunteering days

Qualifications

• Proven experience in procurement sourcing or supply chain management.
• Strong analytical and data management skills.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively.
• Line management experience overseeing a team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies.
• Manage supplier relationships and lead sourcing initiatives.
• Conduct market research and analyze cost drivers.
• Negotiate with vendors for the best pricing.
• Handle queries from internal teams and suppliers.

Skills

Procurement sourcing

Supplier negotiation

Data analysis

Communication

Line management

Tools

Procurement tools

Office software

Job description

Category Buyer - 6 month fixed term contract

Location : Billericay Hybrid office 2 / 3 days a week

Salary : Competitive

Contract Type : 6 month fixed term contract

Working Hours : 40 hours per week Monday-Friday

What you’ll do:

We are seeking a proactive and strategic Category Buyer to join our dynamic team in Billericay on an initial 6 month fixed term contract. This role you will play a key part in developing and executing category strategies, managing supplier relationships, leading sourcing initiatives and optimizing the procurement cycles end-to‑end, systems and processes. If you thrive in a fast‑paced environment and are eager to make a tangible impact on procurement operations, we’d love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contract Management & Specification Writing: Identifying contract requirements and drafting specifications for existing and new contracts across a small portfolio or specific business areas.
• Supplier Coordination & Relationship Management: Coordinating activities with subcontractors and suppliers to ensure successful delivery of outcomes. You will act as the primary point of contact managing relationships while adhering to an established contract management plan.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Utilizing predefined tools and methods to gather, analyse and present data. This includes organising and preparing complex documents and summarising findings for special reports.
• Market Research & Supplier Analysis: Conducting research to analyse key cost drivers, market dynamics and supplier alternatives in a low‑risk area with minimal change costs. Working closely with relevant functions you will provide actionable market insights to inform decision‑making.
• Cost Evaluation & Profitability Improvement: Assessing costs, identifying variances and highlighting opportunities for cost savings and process improvements. You will present your findings and recommendations to senior colleagues for further action.
• Issue Resolution & Stakeholder Support: Handling queries from internal teams, external customers or suppliers. You will provide detailed explanations of complex processes and policies and escalates issues where necessary for policy interpretation.
• Vendor Negotiation & Category Management: Negotiating with vendors to ensure the best pricing, product assortment and service terms. This will involve managing a small‑to‑medium category of products or services or working within specific sub‑categories of larger procurement areas.

What we are looking for:

• Proven experience in procurement sourcing or supply chain management, ideally with exposure to contract management and supplier negotiation.
• Strong analytical and data management skills with proficiency in office software and procurement tools.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills capable of managing relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross‑functional teams.
• Line management experience as you’ll be overseeing a team of excellent coordinators.

Why join us:

Career Development Focus: We’re committed to supporting your professional growth with clear career paths, training and tailored development programmes including our GC Leadership Academy, job‑specific accreditations and higher‑education opportunities.

Exciting Growth Opportunities: Be part of a rapidly growing company with a dynamic team and expanding client base.

Collaborative Environment: Work in a supportive, engaging and innovative culture where your contributions are valued.

Competitive Package:

Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package along with flexible working options including:

• 23 days holiday increasing with length of service and bank holidays
• Yearly bonus scheme & share options
• Robust pension scheme
• Medigold employee support, free flu jabs, online private GP service
• Free or subsidised national gym memberships
• Employee Recognition Scheme
• 2 personal choice volunteering days

Ground Control:

Ground Control is a UK‑based grounds maintenance company powered by the latest technology. Since launching in 1973 Ground Control has grown rapidly and now provides full national coverage for our customers across the UK and Ireland.

We deliver a range of services including grounds maintenance, winter gritting, landscape construction, design, arboriculture, electric vehicle charging point installation to more than 50,000 commercial properties across the UK.

If you are looking to invest in your future with a business that puts people at the centre of everything, click the apply now button below to speak to a member of our team.

#INDHP

Equal Opportunities Statement

At Ground Control we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive. We believe that diversity drives innovation and success and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate based on sex, age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic. We actively support and promote an inclusive culture ensuring fair and equitable treatment throughout the recruitment process and beyond.

Key Skills:

Account Management, Execution, Insurance Management, Import & Export, Catering Operations, Building Electrician

Employment Type : Full Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1