Category Buyer

Ford & Stanley Recruitment; Manchester; Hybrid; Full time

Job summary

A leading rail company in Greater Manchester is offering an exciting opportunity for a Category Buyer on a temporary contract with potential for transition to permanent. You will be responsible for developing procurement strategies, managing supplier relationships, and conducting market analyses. If you have experience in procurement, particularly in rail, apply now to become part of a dynamic team dedicated to efficient transportation services.

Qualifications

• Experience in procurement or buying roles, especially within rail or related sectors.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills are essential.
• Ability to analyze market data for procurement strategies.

Responsibilities

• Develop category strategies to optimize procurement processes.
• Manage supplier relationships and contract negotiations.
• Conduct market analysis to identify trends and risks in the rail industry.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Data Analysis

Education

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)

Tools

Procurement software

Excel

Job description

Category Buyer GBP26.44-GBP28.85 per hour (Inside IR35) - Stockport, Greater Manchester (Hybrid, 3 Days in Office), initial 6 month Contract temporary to permanent option

Are you an experienced Category Buyer, specialising in either rail, transport, automotive, engineering, manufacturing, or other closely related fields?

We have an exciting opportunity for a talented professional to work with a leading rail company dedicated to providing efficient and reliable transportation services. The Team is seeking a highly competent Category Buyer to work within a team managing over 16 active projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement category strategies to optimise procurement processes and achieve cost savings.
• Manage supplier relationships, including contract negotiations and performance evaluations.
• Conduct market analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and risks within the rail industry.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand their needs and provide procurement support.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Monitor and report on category performance, including spend analysis and savings achieved.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Previous experience in a procurement or buying role, preferably within the rail industry or a related field.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to analyse data and make informed decisions.
• Proficiency in procurement software and tools e.g. excel
• Knowledge of relevant regulations and standards within the rail industry.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) is beneficial but not essential
• Experience working in rail is desired but not essential

If you're a strategic thinker and excellent negotiator with a passion for strategic commercial procurement and industry expertise, apply today to join a dynamic team.

Closing Date: Monday 19thth May 2025

Likely Job Titles: Procurement Manager, Sourcing Manager, Purchasing Manager, Procurement Specialist, and Supply Chain Manager, Project Buyer, Category Manger, Merchandise manager, Sourcing Specialist.

About Ford & Stanley Group

Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group is in the business of people and performance. Our mission is to create one million better workdays through facilitating great recruitment, leadership and occupational mental fitness. We support our clients in their most challenging business areas recruiting, developing and retaining the best talent from shop floor to boardroom.

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2. Ford & Stanley Recruitment Business specialising in white collar spanning all company functions with specialist verticals within Digital, Rail Engineering, Civils & Infrastructure, General Manufacturing, Supply Chain & Logistics both permanent and contract.
3. Ford & Stanley Executive Search Business specialising in Executive Search & Executive Interim Solutions in the UK, North America, Middle East and Europe.
4. Ford & Stanley Genius Performance Performance is always accelerated when good people are coached, inspired, trained and focused in the right way.

Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group Ltd is a Disability Confident employer that is committed to a policy of equal opportunities for all opportunity seekers. We shall adhere to such a policy at all times and will review on an on-going basis all aspects of recruitment to avoid unlawful or undesirable discrimination. We will treat everyone equally irrespective sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, age, disability, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief or political beliefs and we place an obligation upon all staff to respect and act in accordance with the policy.