Category Buyer - Directs

Victrex; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Victrex is seeking a Category Buyer to manage direct materials procurement. This role involves developing category strategies, negotiating supplier contracts, and ensuring compliance with sustainability objectives. The ideal candidate will have a relevant purchasing background and strong negotiation skills, thriving in a dynamic, innovation-driven environment.

Benefits

Private healthcare

29 days holiday

Generous company pension contribution

Qualifications

• Experience in buying or similar purchasing role in a manufacturing, chemical, or engineering environment.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Proven ability to build effective supplier and stakeholder relationships.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for direct materials.
• Negotiate commercial terms and manage supplier relationships.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in supply base.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier Management

Analytical mindset

Communication

Education

Commercial or business qualification

Tools

Digital procurement tools

ERP systems

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join our team as a specialist in direct materials procurement. In this role, you will be responsible for developing and executing category strategies for direct spend to maximise value, quality, and performance, collaborating closely across supply chain, operations, quality and technical teams. You will play an important part in supporting our innovation pipeline and operational performance, while aligning to our sustainability objectives.

Key Responsibilities in Direct Procurement and Category Management

Key Responsibilities In Direct Procurement And Category Management

• Category Strategy: Develop and implement a category strategy for a portfolio of direct materials including packaging that deliver cost, quality, risk management and sustainability objectives.
• Supplier Management: Identify, evaluate and manage suppliers to ensure best value and mitigation of supply risks.
• Negotiation: Negotiate commercial terms, agreements, and contracts to achieve optimal outcomes for the business.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with stakeholders in Supply Chain, Operations, Quality, Technical and Sustainability to support new product innovation and ongoing manufacturing excellence.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the supply base to deliver year-on-year value and innovation.
• Market Intelligence: Monitor market trends and supply risks within direct categories to inform strategies and decisions.
• Compliance: Ensure all procurement activity is in line with company policies and relevant ethical, environmental, and legal standards.
  
  

Requirements For The Category Buyer – Directs Opportunity

• Experience in buying, or a similar purchasing role, ideally in a manufacturing, chemical, or engineering environment.
• Experience in direct materials including packaging procurement is advantageous.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Proven ability to build effective supplier and stakeholder relationships.
• Analytical mindset with a focus on value, risk and sustainability.
• Excellent communication and collaborative working skills.
• Commercial or business qualification, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Knowledge of digital procurement tools, ERP, or data analysis platforms is an advantage.
  
  

About You: Our Ideal Category Buyer – Directs

• You are proactive, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced and digitally enabled organisation.
• You thrive on human-centred leadership, valuing curiosity, adaptability and collaboration.
• You recognise the role of sustainability and supply chain resilience in transforming procurement.
• You are committed to fostering a culture of integrity, inclusion and continual improvement.
• Having experience in Packaging procurement is desirable.
  
  

What We Offer

• A dynamic team environment with opportunities to drive meaningful change.
• Support for professional development and learning.
• Commitment to digital transformation, innovation, and sustainability.
• Inclusive and diverse workplace culture.
  
  

Our Offer

We offer a competitive salary along with an attractive benefits package including private healthcare, 29 days holiday, and a generous company pension contribution. As part of Victrex, we foster a culture that values and supports personal and professional growth by empowering our employees to drive innovation and transformation.

Join Us

If you are an innovative professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment with a passion for delivering high-performance solutions, we invite you to apply and become a vital part of Victrex's journey. Help us discover complex design & engineering solutions across 6 key markets to serve our customers.

Diversity and Inclusion

Victrex is proud to be a Disability Confident employer and values applications from all sections of the community. We place strong emphasis on enabling an accessible and welcoming recruitment process for everyone. Should you require any reasonable adjustments or support during your application, please contact us in confidence at [e-mail].

Victrex is committed to building an inclusive culture and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.

NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE.