Category Manager

Veolia Environmental Services (Uk) Plc; England; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental services company in the UK is seeking a Category Manager - Logistics & Waste Disposal to develop and execute strategic category management plans. The role will involve enhancing supplier relationships, driving cost savings, and aligning with sustainability goals. Successful candidates will have a bachelor's degree and experience in strategic procurement. The company offers a supportive and inclusive workplace with numerous benefits, including gym access and volunteer days.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Onsite Gym

Access to pension scheme

Discounts on groceries and retailers

24-hour access to virtual GP

Paid volunteering day

Ongoing training and development

Qualifications

• Experience within a similar role.
• Experience in managing specific spend categories.
• Proficient in project management and informed decision making.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic category management plans.
• Enhance negotiation and analytical skills.
• Manage supplier relationships and mitigate risks.

Skills

Strategic procurement

Contract management

Supplier relationship management

Negotiation skills

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field

CIPS qualified (MCIPS) or working towards

Job description

As a Category Manager - Logistics & Waste Disposal within the Procurement team, you will be responsible for developing and executing strategic category management plans for assigned categories within Veolia's supply chain. This role is pivotal in driving value creation, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and Group Procurement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Continuously enhance negotiation and analytical skills to drive better outcomes
• Implement innovative solutions to drive cost savings, improve quality, and enhance supplier performance
• Measure and report on category performance using relevant KPIs and metrics
• Identify and mitigate category-specific risks to ensure business continuity and compliance
• Manage and develop Category Specialists, providing guidance and support
• Delegate tasks appropriately to team members, ensuring their growth and development
• Collaborate with other Category Managers and Procurement Business Partners to share best practices and align strategies
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and suppliers to deliver category objectives
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure optimal performance and value
• Engage with cross-functional teams to align category strategies with overall business goals
• Negotiate contracts and terms with suppliers to achieve favourable outcomes
• Liaise effectively with Procurement Business Partners to align category strategies with business unit needs
• Interface with Group Procurement to ensure local category strategies are consistent with global directives
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers to ensure optimal performance and value
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide feedback to suppliers
• Collaborate with suppliers on innovation and continuous improvement initiatives
• Negotiate contracts and terms to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes
• Manage supplier risks and implement mitigation strategies as needed
• Engage with business units and Procurement Business Partners to understand specific needs and requirements
• Collaborate on demand forecasting, planning, and budgeting to ensure optimal service levels
• Work closely with finance to analyse spend data and identify cost‑saving opportunities
• Collaborate with legal, compliance, and sustainability teams to ensure comprehensive category management
• Support the Head of Category Management in engaging with Group Procurement on relevant Group Categories
• Develop category‑specific action plans that address sustainability goals
• Conduct sustainability risk assessments and propose mitigation strategies
• Identify opportunities for implementing circular economy principles within assigned categories

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field or CIPS qualified (MCIPS) or working towards
• Experience within a similar role
• Experience in managing specific spend categories
• Proficient skills in strategic procurement, contract management, business acumen, relationship management, effective communication, time management, informed decision making, continuous improvement, project management, IT proficiency, risk management, and data analysis
• Advanced expertise in category‑specific knowledge, supplier relationship management, and negotiation skills
• Proficient understanding of sustainability and ESG knowledge

Desirable Qualifications

• Chartered CIPS Status, MBA
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Supportive team player and inclusive collaborator
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Innovative problem solver

Apply today, so we can make a difference for generations to come.

We're proud to have been named as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work for three consecutive years in 2023, 2024 and 2025. This consistent recognition reflects our commitment to our people, demonstrating that Veolia is not just transforming the environment, we're also transforming what it means to have a rewarding, purposeful career.

We're dedicated to supporting you throughout your application journey, offering adjustments where reasonable and appropriate. As a proud Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to applicants with a disability or long‑term condition who opt‑in to the Disability Confident scheme, and meet the minimum criteria for our roles. We're also committed to ensuring that all applicants and colleagues receive fair treatment without discrimination on any grounds, aiming to create a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

Benefits

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, plus option to buy up to 5 days
• Onsite Gym
• Access to our company pension scheme
• Discounts on everything from groceries to well‑known retailers
• Access to a range of resources to support your physical, mental and financial health; so you can lean on us whenever you need to
• 24 hour access to a virtual GP, 365 days a year, for you and family members in your household
• One paid day's leave every year to volunteer and support your community
• Ongoing training and development opportunities, allowing you to reach your full potential