Category Manager Location: Chandlers Ford
Salary: £40,000
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
We are recruiting on behalf of a leading national provider of fire and security solutions with a strong reputation in the industry. Due to continued growth, the company is now seeking a
Category Manager to lead their procurement function and contribute to operational excellence across the business.
The role of a Category Manager:
As a Category Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the entire procurement process, from sourcing suppliers and running tenders to negotiating contracts and ensuring on-time delivery. You ll play a key role in driving value, ensuring quality, and fostering strong supplier relationships. Working closely with the Warehouse and Logistics teams, you ll be an integral part of cross-functional planning and execution.
This role may require occasional travel to support acquisitions and supplier engagement across different locations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement effective purchasing strategies aligned with business needs.
- Run tenders, source best value, and build strong supplier partnerships.
- Lead the purchasing function in collaboration with the warehouse and logistics teams.
- Negotiate contracts and pricing to ensure the organisation receives optimal value.
- Monitor supplier performance and ensure timely, high-quality deliveries.
- Work with inventory teams to ensure stock availability using Just-in-Time principles.
- Manage purchasing budgets and prepare accurate cost estimates.
- Stay informed on trends and best practices in fire and security, as well as broader operational improvements.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities and efficiencies across all procurement activities.
- Attend relevant team meetings and contribute to wider business initiatives.
Requirements:
- Proven experience in a purchasing or assistant buyer role, ideally with exposure to tendering and supplier negotiations.
- Strong understanding of procurement principles and inventory management.
- Excellent relationship-building and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Organised, analytical, and solutions-focused approach.
- Flexibility to travel to different sites as required.
- A proactive, lead-by-example mindset.
If you re ready to take the next step in your procurement career and play a key role in shaping purchasing strategy in a dynamic environment, we d love to hear from you.
Apply now or contact:(url removed)
(phone number removed)