Senior Category Manager

Ayvens; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading firm in sustainable mobility is looking for a Senior Category Manager Procurement to enhance category strategies. This hybrid role requires significant procurement experience and offers a salary around £65,000. The position includes developing supplier relationships and ensuring best practices in the procurement process. Join a company dedicated to innovation and sustainability.

Benefits

Generous pension scheme

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• 7+ years of procurement experience preferably in leasing or financial services.
• Proven track record in cost reductions and status management.
• Ability to engage with suppliers at a senior level.

Responsibilities

• Develop category strategies to maximize value delivery.
• Negotiate and manage contracts effectively.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies.

Skills

Procurement experience

Negotiation skills

Supplier relationship management

Cost analysis

Financial acumen

Project management

Tools

e-Procurement tools

Job description

At Ayvens, progress starts with you.

Our ambitions to shape the future of sustainable mobility are powered by our talent. Join us, and get better with every move.

We are looking for a Senior Category Manager Procurement to join us.

This is a hybrid role with a requirement to be in the Bristol office as needed, with flexibility to work from home.

Salary: circa £65,000, dependent on experience.

Key Purpose

• Develop and deliver cross-functional category strategies to enhance LeasePlan's commercial proposition and maximize value and best practices in supply, aligned with corporate objectives.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory standards and corporate policies.
• Test wider markets to identify and implement innovations to increase Ayvens' unique selling proposition and operational efficiency.

Summary of Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse and complex category, including market research, sourcing, contracting, and implementation to ensure best-practice category management.
• Negotiate and manage market-leading commercial terms and contracts.
• Collaborate with Ayvens corporate and other territories to leverage suppliers and develop best practices.
• Ensure effective use and compliance with the procurement policy, guiding internal customers accordingly.
• Work with the legal team to ensure contractual protections and risk management.
• Represent Ayvens at all levels within the supplier base and industry.
• Perform additional procurement duties as directed by the General Manager.

Skills, Experience & Background

• Extensive procurement experience (7+ years preferred), ideally in leasing, financial services, or technical/engineering industries.
• Experience with industry-leading e-Procurement tools and best practices.
• Ability to manage supplier relationships up to C-suite level.
• Proven track record in cost analysis and achieving cost reductions.
• Strong negotiation, influencing, and relationship-building skills.
• Results-driven with high achievement orientation.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and work efficiently under pressure.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen.
• Customer-focused with strategic vision.
• High integrity and commitment to corporate values.
• Experience in change management and delivering transformation benefits.

What We Can Offer

• Salary: £45k-55k (note: this conflicts with the earlier £65,000 figure, consider clarifying)
• Generous contributory pension scheme
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Volunteering days, sustainability initiatives, holiday buy/sell options
• Travel and dental insurance (costs covered)
• Flexible working options
• Study support where applicable
• Access to company car scheme (costs apply)
• Enhanced parental leave, referral bonuses, cycle-to-work scheme
• Free breakfast and fruit, EV charging points, bike storage, showers, parking

Why Ayvens?

With over 3.4 million vehicles managed across 42+ countries, we provide leasing, subscription, fleet management, and multi-mobility solutions. We are leading the way to net zero and digital transformation in mobility, committed to customer satisfaction, innovation, and sustainability. We value diversity and inclusion, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.

Join us as we enable large-scale adoption of sustainable mobility and help our customers succeed. Follow our page for updates and insights.

• Note: ALD Automotive | LeasePlan are rebranding to Ayvens across all 42 countries by 2025.