Supply Chain - Category Manager

Reevr; Thame; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing manufacturing company in Thame is seeking a Senior Category Buyer to oversee strategic supply management and supplier relationships. This key role requires experience in bespoke or project-based purchasing and strong negotiation skills. The successful candidate will influence long-term supply strategies and drive continuous improvement in purchasing processes. This is a permanent, on-site position offering a competitive salary range of £40,000–£50,000.

Qualifications

• Experience in the manufacturing sector is required.
• Understanding of bespoke or project-based purchasing is essential.
• Proven experience in strategic buying and category management.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop relationships with critical suppliers.
• Negotiate commercial terms and contract agreements.
• Lead the creation and management of supply agreements.
• Implement dual/triple sourcing strategies to mitigate risk.
• Drive continuous improvement across purchasing and supply chain processes.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Supplier relationship management

Strategic buying

Project procurement

Inventory management

Job description

Permanent £40,000–£50,000 DOE Manufacturing Thame

On-site role – 5 days per week

We are currently supporting a growing manufacturing business in Thame with the recruitment of a Senior Category Buyer. This is a newly created, permanent position arising from ongoing expansion and internal restructure, offering genuine opportunities for development, progression, and influence across the organisation.

About the Role

This Senior Category Buyer position is fully onsite, Monday to Friday, working closely with key internal teams to support hands-on supply chain and purchasing activity. The role sits within the strategic supply chain function and will take ownership of a defined product category. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving best practice in sourcing, supplier management, and purchasing processes to support both current operations and future growth.

You will play a key part in ensuring the business has the right supply agreements, commercial terms, and supplier relationships in place. This is a strategic buying role with scope to shape category strategy and contribute to continuous improvement across the supply chain—making it an ideal opportunity for an experienced Senior Category Buyer looking to influence long-term supply strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and develop relationships with critical suppliers
• Negotiate commercial terms, including payment terms and contract agreements
• Lead the creation and management of supply agreements
• Implement dual/triple sourcing strategies to mitigate risk
• Improve stock turns and support inventory management efficiency
• Drive continuous improvement across purchasing and supply chain processes
• Support category planning and strategic sourcing initiatives

About You

We are looking for a Senior Category Buyer with:

• Previous experience in the manufacturing sector
• Strong understanding of bespoke or project-based purchasing
• Experience in strategic buying, category management, or project procurement
• Confident negotiation skills with the ability to build strong supplier relationships
• A proactive and improvement-led mindset

This is an excellent opportunity for a driven buyer or category specialist looking to step into a senior, strategic role within a growing and forward-thinking organisation.