Category Specialist

U816 Veolia ES (UK) Limited; Kingswood; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

25 days holiday

Retail discounts

Health resources

24h GP access

Volunteer day

Financial wellbeing (Stream)

Training & development

Job summary

Veolia is growing its Procurement team in the UK and seeking 2 Category Specialists to manage Fleet/Waste Haulage/Waste Disposal IT/Professional Services. Hybrid working with a minimum of 3 days in the Cannock office is offered.

The role involves close collaboration with Category Managers, suppliers, and internal partners to drive strategy and supplier performance. Essentials include a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with CIPS or partial qualification, plus experience in data analysis and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Experience in data analysis and market research.
• Excellent communication and time management skills.
• IT proficiency required.

Responsibilities

• Stays updated on procurement industry trends and best practices.
• Works with Category Managers to implement strategy.
• Collaborates with internal stakeholders to understand needs and requirements.
• Conducts supplier performance reviews and analyzes data.
• Supports negotiations to optimise pricing and terms under guidance from Category Managers.
• Monitors supplier compliance with policies and contracts.
• Develops reports and presentations for internal stakeholders.

Skills

Data analysis

Market research

Communication

Time management

IT proficiency

Education

Bachelor's Degree

CIPS (or Part Qualified)

Job description

Ready to find the right role for you?

Salary - Competitive, plus Veolia benefits including generous bonus scheme

Location - Cannock and hybrid working offered (3 days in the office min.)

We currently have 2 positions available.

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:

• Access to our enhanced company pension scheme
• 25 days holiday with opportunity to purchase additional holiday
• Discounts on a range of well known retailers and such things as groceries
• 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 days leave every year to volunteer and support your community
• Stream - Employee financial wellbeing support: early access to your earned pay, savings, budgeting, financial coaching & rewards
• Ongoing training and development opportunities, allowing you to reach your full potential

What you'll be doing:

We are currently growing our Procurement team, and we are seeking 2 Category Specialists to manage the following: Fleet/Waste Haulage/Waste Disposal IT/Professional Services.

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 - ideally in Haulage/Fleet/Logistics and/or Professional Service & IT Project Management Qualification or Experience.

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.

Ready to see the world as we do? Who is Veolia? Where other people see waste, our community here at Veolia see opportunity. We're determined to push for ecological transformation through waste, water and energy, and are committed to getting the tough jobs done. And most importantly, we see the potential of every member of our team, and are giving them the chance to realise it with us. Whether it's their potential, their commitment or their impact, we see it all. And with our values being community spirit, responsibility, innovation, customer focus and respect they keep us focused on those who matter - all 14,000+ of our employees, our customers and our communities too.