Direct Category Manager

AniCura Group; Metropolitan Borough of Solihull; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading veterinary care provider in the UK seeks a Direct Category Manager to lead strategic sourcing initiatives. This role involves developing category strategies that improve procurement performance, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring timely access to quality materials. Ideal candidates have a strong background in procurement with over 5 years of experience, particularly in healthcare or veterinary sectors, alongside excellent communication and analytical skills. Benefits include competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for personal development.

Benefits

Industry competitive salary

Flexible working hours

Learning and development opportunities

Opportunity to work with pets

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in Procurement and Strategic Sourcing in veterinary or healthcare.
• Experience in supplier relationship management and commercial negotiation.
• Strong understanding of contract law.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies to optimise procurement.
• Build and manage supplier relationships for compliance.
• Lead commercial negotiations for optimal outcomes.

Skills

Strategic sourcing and category management expertise

Strong stakeholder engagement

Excellent communication skills

Analytical abilities

Education

Recognised qualification such as CIPS Level 6

Tools

Microsoft Office

E-sourcing tools

Job description

AniCura is a leading provider of veterinary care in Europe. Our company was born out of the philosophy that sharing resources can create opportunities for better veterinary care and outcomes.

Our services include a wide range of high-quality medical services covering preventive and basic health care as well as specialized care, including advanced diagnostics, internal medicine, intensive care, surgery, and orthopaedics. We also provide rehabilitation, physiotherapy, and dietary advice and offers selected pet food and care products.

AniCura’s network includes 500 clinics across 17 countries in Europe, providing over 4.5 million high-quality pet consultations each year. AniCura has been part of Mars Veterinary Health since 2018. Mars Veterinary Health comprises a network of more than 3,000 clinics worldwide taking care of more than 25 million pets every year. Together, we are able to provide the highest standards in pet care and achieve our collective purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS.

For more information, please visit our website www.anicuragroup.com

Direct Category Manager

Location: Amsterdan, Solihull, Munich, Madrid
Segment / Business Unit: MVH Europe
Function: Commercial | Strategic Sourcing
Reports to: Director – Direct Strategic Sourcing

About MVH Europe

Mars Veterinary Health (MVH) Europe is a family of leading veterinary care providers committed to creating a better world for pets. Our network includes trusted brands such as AniCura and Linnaeus, operating over 500 animal hospitals and clinics across 17 European countries. Together, our teams deliver high-quality, modern veterinary care for companion animals, ensuring peace of mind for pet owners through excellent access and patient safety.

AniCura, our largest brand in Europe, provides care to over three million patients each year through 12,500 dedicated professionals. Linnaeus, operating primarily in the UK and Ireland, is home to over 6,000 Associates empowered to deliver exceptional care through a culture of collaboration, clinical excellence, and continuous development.

At MVH Europe, we prioritize a culture of accountability, inclusion, and wellbeing. We believe our purpose to make A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS starts with building a better world for our people. We support our teams through strong governance, comprehensive wellbeing programs, and a shared passion for delivering exceptional outcomes in veterinary care.

About the Role

The Direct Category Manager plays a key role in leading strategic sourcing initiatives across MVH Europe’s direct spend categories. You’ll develop and execute category strategies that deliver cost savings, process optimisation, and supplier performance improvement ensuring that our veterinary clinics have timely access to high-quality materials and services that support patient care.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced procurement professional to make a meaningful contribution in a mission-driven, fast-evolving healthcare environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies to optimise procurement performance and deliver sustainable value.

• Build and manage supplier relationships, ensuring collaboration, compliance, and continuous improvement.

• Lead commercial negotiations and manage contract lifecycles to secure optimal commercial outcomes and mitigate risk.

• Partner with cross-functional teams including Clinical Operations, Medical, Finance, and Quality to align sourcing strategies with clinical and business needs.

• Monitor and report on category spend, identifying opportunities for cost optimisation and efficiency improvements.

• Assess and manage supply chain risks, implementing mitigation strategies to ensure business continuity.

• Use data and analytics to inform sourcing decisions, track supplier performance, and provide insights to leadership.

• Drive continuous improvement and innovation within sourcing processes and procurement systems.

• Ensure compliance with organisational policies, ethical standards, and legal/regulatory requirements.

Experience Required

• 5+ years’ experience in Procurement and Strategic Sourcing, with strong experience in direct categories, ideally within the veterinary or healthcare sector.

• Proven expertise in supplier relationship management, commercial negotiation, and contract management.

• Sound understanding of contract law and procurement governance frameworks.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a commercial and strategic mindset.

• Demonstrable success delivering measurable cost savings and value creation.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and e-sourcing tools.

• Recognised qualification such as CIPS Level 6 (or equivalent) preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic sourcing and category management expertise.

• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing capabilities.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a matrixed, multinational environment.

• Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to quality and collaboration.

Our offer:

Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to shape the future of veterinary care, together.

An industry competitive salary and benefits package

A stimulating work environment with good opportunities for personal development

Freedom to take responsibility and the opportunity to influence

Flexible working hours, hybrid working, international, digital work environment

Learning and development opportunities

The opportunity to cuddle our beloved 4‑legged friends in our offices.

We are always open for a conversation to discuss your individual needs

If this sounds like you:

Please contact Christina Scimeca, Group Corporate Recruiter, who is happy to tell you more about this opportunity and the recruitment process. Or apply by submitting your resume through the apply button below.

MVHE is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds.

Internal Candidates/Associates: If you are interested in this position, please reach out to the Corporate Recruiter to understand the internal recruitment.