Category Buyer

TN United Kingdom; Hinckley; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a proactive Manufacturing Category Buyer to enhance their supply chain efficiency. In this dynamic role, you will manage supplier relationships, develop sourcing strategies, and drive cost-saving initiatives. This position offers a flexible working environment, including the option to work from home after probation. The ideal candidate will possess strong procurement experience, excellent negotiation skills, and a keen commercial acumen. Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and collaboration, and make a significant impact on their operations.

Benefits

Flexible salary based on experience

1 day work from home after probation

Company benefits platform

Pension Scheme

Life Assurance Scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in procurement within FMCG, industrial manufacturing, or retail.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Manage suppliers and sourcing for new model programmes.
• Evaluate cost data and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Prepare reports and presentations for commodity categories.

Skills

Procurement experience

Microsoft Excel

Negotiation skills

Excellent communication skills

Time management

Commercial awareness

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

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• Join a business with high quality and excellence in product development
• Progressive manufacturing environment - Leicestershire based

About Our Client

• My client is an industrial manufacturing business, headquartered here in the UK
• They offer a flexible package, including 1 day working from home once probation is passed

Job Description

The Category Buyer will collaborate with the wider product, design, and Quality Control (QC) functions and champion the development of the performance of the existing supply base. They will identify new sources and rationalise the current supply base where appropriate. The responsibilities for this Manufacturing Category Buyer role in Hinckley include:

1. Manage a selection of suppliers for a given commodity group(s).
2. Manage and own the sourcing and development activities of components for new model programmes to achieve key stage gates before handing over ownership to the Supply Chain Team for ongoing production.
3. Develop a strategy for their commodities ensuring best value and the quickest and most suitable sources for new model development programmes.
4. Analyse supplier resources to ensure continued development support.
5. Perform category management including strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, contract, performance, and risk management.
6. Evaluate cost data and quotation analyses for supplier selections.
7. Identify cost-saving opportunities and develop strategies through Value Engineering (VE) or negotiations.
8. Develop and maintain expert knowledge of their commodity’s global supply market and ensure a suitable knowledge base is maintained for the company.
9. Prepare reports and presentations for their respective categories.
10. Support the daily running of the department with any other related tasks.
11. Undertake and assist with projects as required by your Manager.
12. Perform any other ad-hoc duties as required by your Manager.

The Successful Applicant

To be successful in this Manufacturing Category Buyer role in Hinckley, you must have:

• Procurement experience (open to FMCG, Industrial manufacturing, and Retail with a desire to move).
• Proficiency in Microsoft packages including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Good commercial awareness and acumen.
• Ability to multi-task and be flexible to address immediate priorities while managing deadlines with longer-term projects and strategic initiatives.
• Effective organisational skills and good time management.
• Strong experience within a Purchasing/Procurement department.
• Self-motivated, resilient, flexible, and adaptable.
• Able to work under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to write coherent reports.
• Ability to make systematic and logical judgments.
• Understanding and discussion of technical matters.
• Ability to work individually and as part of a team.
• Negotiation skills and ability to prioritise.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including problem-solving, a can-do attitude, and self-motivation.

What's on Offer

On offer for the candidate will be:

• Salary is flexible depending on experience.
• 1 day from home once probation is passed.
• Company benefits platform, offering discounts with multiple vendors.
• Pension Scheme - 3% employee and 6% employer contribution at a base level, with the opportunity to increase to a maximum contribution of 5% employee and 9% employer.
• Life Assurance Scheme - currently 6 x pensionable salary.