Category Buyer Job Details | 2019

Bertelsmann; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 41,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a UK Category Buyer to drive excellence in the Packaging and MRO categories. This role involves leading strategic sourcing and procurement, collaborating with suppliers, and supporting sustainability initiatives. You'll manage the full tendering process, negotiate supplier agreements, and enhance service levels while ensuring data accuracy in SAP. Join a dynamic procurement team and contribute to process standardisation and continuous improvement efforts. With a focus on sustainability, this position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Pension contribution

Life assurance policy (4x salary)

Employee Assistance Programme

Employee Discount Scheme

Free car parking

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Packaging and MRO procurement within FMCG or logistics.
• Strong track record of managing the full tendering process (RFI/RFQ).

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation and management of RFIs, RFQs, and full tenders.
• Negotiate and implement robust supplier agreements and contracts.

Skills

Procurement Management

Supplier Negotiation

Stakeholder Engagement

Analytical Skills

Project Management

Tools

SAP

Job description

Salary: £41,000.00
Location: Hams Hall
Hours: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week

Are you an experienced procurement professional with a passion for driving category excellence? We’re looking for a UK Category Buyer to take ownership of the Packaging and MRO categories within our dynamic procurement team.

In this role, you will lead the strategic sourcing and procurement of key categories across the UK, with influence at a European level. You’ll work closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to develop best-in-class procurement solutions, streamline processes, and support sustainability initiatives across our supply chain.

Your Tasks:

• Lead preparation and management of RFIs, RFQs, and full tenders for Packaging and MRO categories.
• Consolidate and rationalise supplier base, while identifying and onboarding new suppliers and products.
• Negotiate and implement robust supplier agreements and contracts.
• Build strong supplier relationships to improve service levels, reduce working capital (e.g. VMI, consignment stock), and optimise payment terms.
• Maintain internal and external SAP catalogues, ensuring data accuracy.
• Act as procurement lead for UK and support European-level collaboration and initiatives.
• Drive process standardisation, continuous improvement, and cost efficiencies.
• Monitor supplier OTIF, resolve service issues, and manage escalations.
• Champion sustainability practices within procurement and the wider supply chain.

Your Profile:

• Proven experience in Packaging and MRO procurement within an FMCG, warehousing, or logistics environment.
• Strong track record of managing the full tendering process (RFI/RFQ).
• Demonstrated success in supplier consolidation and commercial negotiations.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to create strategic and tactical plans.
• Effective communicator with strong organisational and project management skills.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced environments and balancing competing priorities.
• Experience with SAP and procurement performance reporting preferred.
• Knowledge of business process design and sustainability initiatives is advantageous.

We Offer:

• 25 days annual leave with the option to purchase up to an additional 5 days
• Pension contribution
• A life assurance policy that pays out 4 x Salary
• Employee Assistance Programme that provides you with confidential support, information, and advice to help you
• Employee Discount Scheme through Treats
• Free car parking