Are you an experienced Category Manager looking for the opportunity to influence procurement strategy across a large-scale national operation?
We are working with a leading business operating within a highly regulated distribution and logistics environment, supporting critical supply chains across the UK. Due to continued growth and investment within the procurement function, we are looking to recruit a Category Manager – Operations to join the team on a hybrid basis.
Reporting to the Head of Procurement, this is a high-profile role responsible for managing approximately £60 million of operational spend across categories including fleet, fuel, facilities management, final mile delivery, drivers and capital expenditure projects. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering cost savings, supplier performance improvements and strategic procurement initiatives across the business.
This role would suit an experienced Category Manager who enjoys building relationships with senior stakeholders, challenging existing ways of working and delivering measurable commercial value through strategic sourcing and supplier management.
Responsibilities of a Category Manager – Operations:
Develop and deliver category strategies aligned to business objectives and operational requirements
Manage operational spend categories including fleet, fuel, facilities management, logistics and capital projects
Lead tender processes, supplier negotiations and sourcing activities
Deliver cost reduction initiatives and identify value-adding opportunities across the supply chain
Build and manage strategic supplier relationships to improve performance and service delivery
Partner with operational stakeholders to understand business requirements and procurement priorities
Challenge existing processes and drive continuous improvement initiatives
Track procurement benefits, savings and project outcomes against agreed targets
Support transformational change programmes across the wider business
Ensure procurement activities remain compliant with company governance and industry regulations
Skills & Qualifications of a Category Manager – Operations:
Previous Category Management experience within operational spend categories
Experience managing fleet, facilities management, logistics or similar operational procurement categories
Strong commercial negotiation and supplier management skills
Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing abilities
Strong financial and analytical skills, including total cost of ownership analysis
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Strong Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills
MCIPS qualified or working towards MCIPS desirable
Experience within healthcare, pharmaceutical, logistics, wholesale distribution or similarly regulated environments advantageous
Benefits of a Category Manager – Operations:
Salary up to £52,000
10% annual bonus scheme
Hybrid working arrangement
Opportunity to influence procurement strategy across a large national operation
High-profile role with significant stakeholder exposure
Career development within a growing procurement function
Supportive and collaborative working environment
Long-term progression opportunities
If you feel this Category Manager – Operations role is right for you, please contact Becky Prince at Maintech Recruitment for more information or click apply.
Maintech Recruitment – Engineering Great Careers
Maintech Recruitment are an equal opportunities agency and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of sex, religion, belief, political opinion, race, age, sexual orientation, marital status or disability.
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Salary description
£50000.00 - £52000.00 per year