Category Specialist

Veolia; Cannock; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental services company in Cannock is looking for a Category Specialist to optimize product categories within their supply chain. The candidate will assist in strategic sourcing initiatives, maintain supplier relationships, and contribute to value creation. Essential qualifications include a Bachelor's degree and experience in data analysis. The role offers a competitive salary and various benefits including a gym and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Onsite Gym

Company pension scheme

Discounts on groceries and retailers

Physical, mental, and financial health resources

Virtual GP access all year

Paid volunteer day

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in relevant field.
• Experience in data analysis and market research.
• Excellent communication and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing and optimising product categories within the supply chain.
• Support strategic sourcing initiatives and supplier relationship management.
• Conduct supplier performance reviews and monitor compliance.

Skills

Data analysis

Market research

Communication skills

Time management

IT proficiency

Education

Bachelor's Degree or Relevant Further Education Qualification

CIPS (or Part Qualified) or Equivalent Experience

Job description

Salary: Competitive salary, annual bonus plus Veolia benefits

Location: Cannock

When you see the world as we do, you see the chance to help the world take better care of its resources, and help it become a better place for everyone. It's why we're looking for someone who's just as committed as we are, to push for genuine change and bring our ambition of Ecological Transformation to life.

We know that everyone here at Veolia can help us work alongside our communities, look after the environment, and contribute to our inclusive culture.

What we can offer you:

• 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

What you'll be doing:

The Category Specialist is responsible for assisting in the management and optimisation of product or service categories within Veolia's supply chain. This role is essential in supporting the execution of strategic sourcing initiatives, maintaining supplier relationships, and contributing to value creation across assigned categories.

Key Responsibilities:

• Stays updated on industry trends and best practices in procurement
• Work closely with Category Managers and Procurement Business Partners to support strategy implementation
• Collaborates effectively with internal stakeholders to understand their needs and requirements
• Assists in conducting regular supplier performance reviews, collecting and analysing relevant data
• Acts as a liaison between suppliers and internal stakeholders, ensuring clear and timely communication
• Support negotiations with suppliers to optimise pricing, terms, and conditions under guidance from Category Managers
• Monitor and report on supplier-related issues, contributing to timely resolution
• Research and identify potential new suppliers to enhance the supplier base, presenting findings to Category Managers
• Monitor supplier compliance with company policies and contractual agreements, flagging any discrepancies
• Provide dedicated support to Category Managers in executing category strategies and initiatives
• Engage with business unit stakeholders and procurement business partners to gather and document specific requirements and expectations
• Prepare and deliver regular updates to Category Managers on supplier performance, market trends, and potential opportunities
• Develop comprehensive reports and presentations for internal stakeholders, ensuring accuracy and relevance of information
• Serve as a point of contact for business units and Procurement Business Partners, promptly addressing enquiries related to suppliers or category matters
• Deliver informational sessions to internal stakeholders on procurement processes and best practices

What we're looking for:

Essential:

• Bachelor's Degree or Relevant Further Education Qualification, CIPS (or Part Qualified), or Equivalent Experience
• Experience in data analysis and market research
• Excellent communication and time management skills
• IT proficiency

Desirable:

• Previous experience in a similar role
• Project Management Qualification or Experience
• Procurement of FM or Construction

What's next?

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.