Category Manager

Altro; Norton; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction solutions provider in the UK is seeking a Category Manager to lead strategic sourcing and drive value across the supply chain. The successful candidate will have at least 5 years of experience in senior procurement roles and must possess strong negotiation and communication skills. Knowledge of European supply chain regulations and German contract law is desirable. This role embraces hybrid working and provides a range of family-friendly benefits.

Benefits

Enhanced family friendly benefits

25 days holidays plus bank holidays

Employee Benefits Hub

Learning and Development opportunities

Defined contribution pension scheme

Life Assurance from day one

Occupational Health services

24-hour Employee Assistance Programme

Paid volunteering day

Company social events

Retirement planning support

Free eye tests

Long service awards

Free car parking

Hybrid working flexibility

Car allowance for certain positions

Private Medical Scheme based on role

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in senior procurement roles, ideally in manufacturing or supply chain.
• Proactive, collaborative and passionate about continuous improvement.
• Team player, drive to learn and develop and a 'can-do' attitude.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver strategic category plans for suppliers.
• Lead sourcing activities focusing on cost efficiency and sustainability.
• Manage supplier relationships and resolve supply issues.
• Conduct tendering and cost-benefit analysis to secure best ownership.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Knowledge of European supply chain regulations

Knowledge of German contract law

Education

CIPS qualification or equivalent

MBA/DMS

Job description

At Altro, we've been transforming spaces since 1919 with premium flooring and wall cladding solutions for the construction and transport industries.

We're currently looking for a Category Manager to lead strategic sourcing of our bought‑in goods and walling products and drive value across our global supply chain.

If you are looking for the next step in your procurement career, keen to learn and have drive, motivation and a 'can‑do' approach to your work, we'd love to hear from you! Do you have knowledge of European supply chain regulations and German contract law? Even better!

About the Role

In this role, you'll develop and deliver strategic category plans for your allocated suppliers, leading sourcing activities that focus on cost efficiency, risk mitigation and sustainability. You'll manage supplier relationships, resolve supply issues and maintain supplier intelligence to ensure continuity and value. Your responsibilities also include conducting tendering, benchmarking and cost‑benefit analysis to secure the best total cost of ownership. You will coach and support teams in procurement best practices, participate in risk analysis and assist with budget preparation and forecasting. Finally, you will report on category plan progress and ensure compliance with procurement policies, driving excellence across the function.

Benefits

• Enhanced family friendly benefits, including Maternity, Paternity and Shared Parental Leave.
• Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays; you can purchase additional days.
• Employee Benefits Hub: exclusive discounts with retail partners.
• Learning and Development: in‑house training, coaching and access to external courses.
• Pension: defined contribution scheme; minimum 4% contribution matched by the company up to 6%.
• Life Assurance: covers up to four times your annual salary from day one.
• Occupational Health: Sick Pay and an onsite Occupational Health Service.
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24‑hour helpline, confidential support, and services for household members.
• Volunteering: one paid day per year for healthcare‑related charities.
• Social Events: company Christmas party and other events across the group.
• Retirement Planning: advice and support for a smooth transition to retirement.
• Eye Care: free eye tests for all employees.
• Long Service: awards for long service.
• Parking: free car parking at all sites.
• Hybrid Working: flexibility around home and office working.
• Car Allowance: certain positions entitle you to a car allowance.
• Private Medical Scheme: type of cover dependent on your role.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years' experience in senior procurement roles, ideally in manufacturing or supply chain.
• Strong negotiation, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Knowledge of European supply chain regulations and German contract law (desirable).
• CIPS qualification or equivalent; MBA/DMS desirable.
• Proactive, collaborative and passionate about continuous improvement.
• Team player, drive to learn and develop and a 'can‑do' attitude.