Senior Buyer / Category Manager

Bel-Air Magazine; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading publication in Liverpool seeks a dynamic Senior Buyer / Category Manager to enhance procurement efficiency across a £12m annual spend. The role involves strategic supplier management, team mentorship, and compliance with procurement regulations. Candidates must possess significant procurement experience and relevant qualifications. This is an excellent opportunity to lead a high-performing team and drive change in a vital area of the organization.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in procurement and contract management.
• Track record of managing supplier performance, including disputes.
• Excellent knowledge of procurement regulations and statutory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the performance of warehouse and material supply contracts.
• Develop supplier relationships to maximize value.
• Monitor and report on supplier performance and market trends.

Skills

Procurement expertise

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Leadership skills

Education

Level 4 CIPS qualification or equivalent experience

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Buyer / Category Manager to join our Supply Chain team at HMS. Reporting directly to the Head of Supply Chain, you will play a pivotal role in delivering value for money across our £12m annual spend on warehouse, stock, and material contracts.

This is a key leadership role, providing strategic oversight of procurement and demand management, building strong supplier partnerships, and ensuring our materials supply chain supports the organisation in delivering an efficient, effective service to clients, customers, and local residents.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead and manage the performance of our warehouse and material supply contracts, ensuring best value for money.
• Develop and maintain supplier relationships to maximise commercial value and innovation.
• Support and mentor the Procurement team, including a Buyer and Apprentice Buyer, to drive continuous improvement.
• Monitor, analyse and report on supplier performance, spend, and market trends.
• Drive local supplier engagement, strengthening opportunities within the regional economy.
• Issue tenders, analyse returns, negotiate terms, and manage contracts effectively.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders, Finance, and Compliance teams to ensure corporate policies and regulations are met.
• Provide leadership in embedding procurement best practice across the organisation.

What We're Looking For

• A relevant professional qualification (Level 4 CIPS or working towards, or equivalent experience).
• Significant experience in procurement and contract management, within construction, housing, or maintenance.
• A strong track record of managing supplier performance, including poor performance and contract disputes.
• Excellent knowledge of procurement regulations and statutory requirements.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Experience of NEC/JCT contracts and modern procurement methods.
• A collaborative approach with the ability to influence stakeholders and drive change.
• Leadership skills to motivate, develop, and inspire a high-performing team.

Interview Process

The interview will be competency-based, assessing your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and team collaboration. Interviews will take place on the 14th and 15th October at our Stonebridge office.

Additional Information

Each successful applicant will be required to complete the following pre-employment checks before a start date is agreed:

• Right to work verification
• Qualification certificate check
• 2x completed references
• Occupational Health Questionnaire Fit For Work
• DBS check (if required for role)
• Completion of all new starter documentation including signed T&Cs

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we receive a sufficient number of applications.