Hybrid Indirect Procurement Lead: Category Manager

Arriva TrainCare; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

CrossCountry is seeking a Category Manager – Indirect to lead a small procurement team at the Birmingham Head Office. You will own end-to-end procurement, from market engagement to contract awards, ensuring governance and value for money across regulated and non-regulated activities.

You will shape strategies, manage supplier relationships, and drive efficiency in a hybrid environment. A strong track record in tenders, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement is required.

Qualifications

• Proven experience compiling robust tender and commercial documentation.
• Experience running tenders and leading complex procurement activities.
• Strong negotiation skills with a track record of delivering successful commercial outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate a small team while reporting directly into the Head of Procurement & Property.
• Implement and continuously improve procurement processes for compliant operations.
• Shape procurement strategies delivering value for money, including supplier consolidation and innovation.
• Build and maintain an aligned procurement pipeline to meet business needs.
• Manage major procurement projects—regulated and non-regulated—producing tender documents, evaluation frameworks and reports.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand needs and identify best-fit solutions.
• Foster strong supplier relationships and ensure performance issues are addressed promptly.
• Drive data analysis and market insights to inform pricing and supplier strategies.
• Promote best practice across Purchase-to-Pay processes.

Skills

Team leadership

Tender management

Procurement strategy

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Direct/Indirect procurement

Analytical skills

Advanced Excel

Education

Membership of CIPS (or working towards it)

Job description

CrossCountry is seeking a Category Manager – Indirect to lead a small procurement team at the Birmingham Head Office. You will own end-to-end procurement, from market engagement to contract awards, ensuring governance and value for money across regulated and non-regulated activities.

You will shape strategies, manage supplier relationships, and drive efficiency in a hybrid environment. A strong track record in tenders, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement is required.