Category Specialist (Procurement)

TEAM; Wellingborough; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A logistics company in Wellingborough is seeking a Category Specialist to manage procurement strategies and supplier relationships. The successful candidate will be MCIPS qualified with extensive material control experience. Responsibilities include negotiating contracts, analyzing market trends, and ensuring compliance with procurement policies. This role offers a salary of up to £40,000 per annum and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

25 days holiday per year

Employee Assistance Program

Life assurance

Single healthcare cover BUPA

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in a material control role.
• Good understanding of MRP and other material planning systems.
• Ability to produce and work to timing plans.

Responsibilities

• Manage procurement process for categories/commodities.
• Develop sourcing strategies with the Purchasing Manager.
• Evaluate supplier performance and manage relationships.
• Conduct market analysis for trends and opportunities.
• Negotiate contracts and secure best value.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Supplier relationship management

Market analysis

Project management

Education

MCIPS Qualified & Certified

HND or equivalent

Tools

Oracle based management system

Job description

Compensation

Salary up to £40,000 per annum.

Benefits

25 days holiday per year (Jan‑Dec).
Employee Assistance Program.
Life assurance.
Single healthcare cover BUPA.

What you'll be doing as Category Specialist

You will be implementing sourcing strategies, category/commodity benchmarking, negotiating supplier agreements and ensuring cost‑effective, timely, and high‑quality procurement.

Key responsibilities

• Managing the procurement process for procurement categories/commodities, materials, and services, ensuring alignment with organisational goals.
• Working with the Purchasing Manager to develop and implement sourcing strategies to optimise cost, quality, and delivery performance.
• Evaluating supplier performance and managing supplier relationships to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and service level agreements.
• Conducting and leading monthly supplier performance meetings to drive improvement in supplier performance.
• Conducting market analysis to identify trends, risks and opportunities in the supply base.
• Negotiating contracts, pricing, and terms with suppliers to secure the best value.
• Leading supplier escalation meetings to ensure supplier gaps in supply are resolved.
• Liaising with other personnel across the business group as necessary to ensure the customer requirements are met.
• Maintaining and updating sales and customer records.
• Supporting customer run‑down on engineering change/NPI projects as required.
• Ensuring adherence to procurement policies, ethical standards and regulatory requirements.
• Supporting continuous improvement initiatives in procurement processes and systems.
• Mentoring and supporting junior purchasing staff as needed.
• Supporting problem‑solving exercises to investigate causes of deviation from process and carrying out reasonable additional responsibilities as requested by the Company.

What we're looking for in a Category Specialist

• MCIPS Qualified & Certified, HND or equivalent.
• Knowledge of Oracle based management system preferred but not essential (training will be given).
• Extensive experience in a material control role.
• Good understanding of MRP and other material planning systems.
• Project management skills, including the ability to produce and work to timing plans.

Working Hours

Monday‑Thursday: 08:00 – 16:30
Friday: 08:00 – 13:30

How to Apply

To apply for this role as Category Specialist, please click apply online and upload an updated copy of your CV.