Senior Buyer / Category Manager

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

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

What you'll be doing

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

What we're looking for

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

If you're a commercially astute procurement professional with a passion for driving value, innovation, and continuous improvement, we'd love to hear from you.