Category Manager

Unipart; Doncaster; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car or car allowance

33 days holiday

Pension

Life assurance

Employee assistance programme

Wellbeing support

Flexible benefits scheme

Job summary

Unipart is seeking a Category Manager to support the procurement of indirect goods and services across multiple client sites. You will implement category strategies, drive cost reductions, and manage supplier relationships to maximise opportunities for the business.

In this role, you will lead negotiations, ensure contractual resilience, and collaborate with stakeholders to deliver best procurement practice.

Qualifications

• Experience in multiple category sourcing with savings delivery.
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to mitigate commercial risk.
• Excellent relationship-building and ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Excellent IT and analytical capabilities; highly organised in a fast-paced environment.
• Awareness of ISO 20400 and contribution to sustainability/Net Zero targets.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for indirect services and goods to deliver value for money across categories.
• Ensure contractual coverage and negotiate terms to protect the business.
• Manage key supplier relationships for long-term partnering and opportunities.
• Support stakeholders and account teams with supplier performance reviews and client presentations.
• Lead procurement policies and procedures, serving as a contact for senior stakeholders.
• Act as deputy for the Procurement Manager and drive change using The Unipart Way.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Sustainable procurement

IT literacy

Education

MCIPS

Tools

SAP MRP

Job description

Trax Park, Doncaster

Full time, 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday

£46,000 per annum, plus car / car allowance, 33 days holiday, pension, life assurance, employee assistance programme, wellbeing support, and flexible benefits scheme

About The Role

You’ll have an important part to play supporting the Procurement Manager in leading and managing the procurement of indirect goods and services. You will provide a timely and cost-effective procurement category strategy and expertise to stakeholders across the Unipart portfolio of sites and clients.

Here at Unipart we don't just have a way of working, we have The Unipart Way. It allows everyone in our team to pursue their own personal and professional goals to a world class level, through Unipart's 'Gate to Great' training and development program.

As a Category Manager you will promote the procurement platform whilst driving improvements in the stakeholder experience, working collaboratively with all functions to drive alignment of best procurement practice and maximise opportunities for Unipart.

As Part Of Your Key Responsibilities, You'll

• Develop and implement commercial sourcing strategies for indirect services and goods, delivering VFM and cost reduction across multiple categories, sectors, and clients
• Ensure suitable ongoing contractual coverage for key services and goods, reviewing and negotiating contract terms to mitigate commercial exposure to Unipart
• Manage key supplier relationships for long-term strategic partnering and benefit opportunities
• Support internal stakeholders and commercial account teams through key supplier performance reviews, engagement, and presentations to clients
• Implement procurement policies, processes, and procedures to help protect and advance the business, acting as an expert point of contact for senior stakeholders
• Manage change by effective procurement leadership through utilisation of The Unipart Way principles and deputising for the Procurement Manager when required

About You

• Previous experience in multiple category sourcing, delivering significant savings and innovative solutions
• Strong negotiation skills and an understanding of standard terms and conditions to mitigate legal and commercial risk
• Excellent relationship-building skills and the ability to confidently influence senior-level internal and external stakeholders
• Strong IT, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities. Highly organised, able to prioritise, and adaptable to a fast-paced environment
• A clear, concise, and engaging communicator at all levels, with a strong customer focus and collaborative approach
• Awareness of ISO 20400 and experience in contributing to sustainability/Net Zero targets
• MCIPS qualified
• Good knowledge of SAP MRP

About Unipart

We are a supply chain performance improvement partner. We Design, Make, Move, and Improve components in our customers' supply chains, keeping their operations and assets moving and working better, for longer. Through our commitment to continuously driving operational efficiencies, we improve performance - saving time, cost, and carbon. Our ambition is to be the driving force behind efficient, resilient, and sustainable supply chains.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

We believe that a great workplace is one where you can bring your whole self to work. Our recruitment process is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and based entirely on merit. We define merit through a combination of technical skills and the core behaviours that help our people thrive at Unipart. We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of background or circumstances. We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity that exceeds our statutory obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and subsequent legislation. Whether it's your age, disability, neurodiversity, gender identity, family status, or any other characteristic that makes you 'you' - it is your talent and potential that we value most. Adjustments for you: We want you to perform at your best. If you require any reasonable adjustments or have specific accessibility needs at any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know. We are here to support you.

You may have experience in the following: Procurement Manager, Category Manager, Buyer, Sourcing Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Commercial Manager, Purchasing Manager, Indirect Procurement, Strategic Sourcing