Category Manager – (55k – 70k) (Purchasing)

{ “@context”: “http://schema.org”, “@type”: “JobPosting”, “title”: “Category Manager – (55k – 70k) (Purchasing)”, “description”: “

VANRATH are delighted to be partnering with a major company in Northern Ireland with the Recruitment of a Category Manager to join a growing and dynamic company based in Belfast.

This position is based in the company's Belfast office. Monday – Friday position. Hybrid working is available (80% in the office / 20% at home)

This is a Permanent position. This company has an excellent reputation.

Salary

Negotiable + other Additional Benefits (Top Company) + Fantastic work benefits and Environment + Holiday Package (25 days leave + Stats) & Progression Opportunities

Overview:
As a Category Manager, you will oversee and manage multiple categories, driving cost-effective procurement of goods and services while upholding high standards of quality, compliance, and supplier performance.

Responsibilities:

  • Partner with stakeholders to understand category needs and ensure effective service delivery.
  • Lead sourcing, tendering, and procurement strategies aligned with business goals and sustainability standards.
  • Build strong supplier relationships, managing performance, contracts, and disputes.
  • Drive cost savings, efficiency, and innovation through strategic sourcing and improvement projects.
  • Monitor markets, assess risks, and implement contingency and sustainability initiatives.
  • Use procurement tools (e.g., Nav, Qliksense) to enable data-driven decisions.
  • Ensure compliance with Health & Safety regulations and promote a safe workplace.
  • Support and mentor team members, pursue continuous development, and maintain flexibility for travel and changing business needs.

Requirements:

  • Degree-level education in Business, Procurement, Supply Chain, or related discipline, or equivalent work experience.
  • Minimum 4 years of proven procurement and negotiation experience in a similar role.
  • Demonstrable success in sourcing, supplier negotiation, and cost-saving initiatives.
  • Experience in managing supplier relationships and contract performance.
  • Track record of working cross-functionally with internal stakeholders.
  • Strong understanding of procurement best practices and supply chain management.

Desired criteria :

  • CIPS qualification (MCIPS) or actively working towards it.
  • Experience managing a small team or mentoring junior staff.
  • Familiarity with sustainability reporting standards or carbon reduction frameworks.
  • Project management skills (e.g. Prince2 or Agile methodologies).
  • Advanced Excel or data analysis skills for reporting and insight generation.

For more information on this role please reach out to Jack Groves @ VANRATH for more information.

Skills:
Procurement Category Manager Food Bid Manager Tender Procurement Manager

Benefits:
Work From Home Additional Benefits & Progression


WHJS1_NI

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Company: VANRATH
Apply for the Category Manager – (55k – 70k) (Purchasing)
Location: Belfast
Job Description:

VANRATH are delighted to be partnering with a major company in Northern Ireland with the Recruitment of a Category Manager to join a growing and dynamic company based in Belfast.

This position is based in the company’s Belfast office. Monday – Friday position. Hybrid working is available (80% in the office / 20% at home)

This is a Permanent position. This company has an excellent reputation.

Salary

Negotiable + other Additional Benefits (Top Company) + Fantastic work benefits and Environment + Holiday Package (25 days leave + Stats) & Progression Opportunities

Overview:As a Category Manager, you will oversee and manage multiple categories, driving cost-effective procurement of goods and services while upholding high standards of quality, compliance, and supplier performance.

Responsibilities:

  • Partner with stakeholders to understand category needs and ensure effective service delivery.
  • Lead sourcing, tendering, and procurement strategies aligned with business goals and sustainability standards.
  • Build strong supplier relationships, managing performance, contracts, and disputes.
  • Drive cost savings, efficiency, and innovation through strategic sourcing and improvement projects.
  • Monitor markets, assess risks, and implement contingency and sustainability initiatives.
  • Use procurement tools (e.g., Nav, Qliksense) to enable data-driven decisions.
  • Ensure compliance with Health & Safety regulations and promote a safe workplace.
  • Support and mentor team members, pursue continuous development, and maintain flexibility for travel and changing business needs.

Requirements:

  • Degree-level education in Business, Procurement, Supply Chain, or related discipline, or equivalent work experience.
  • Minimum 4 years of proven procurement and negotiation experience in a similar role.
  • Demonstrable success in sourcing, supplier negotiation, and cost-saving initiatives.
  • Experience in managing supplier relationships and contract performance.
  • Track record of working cross-functionally with internal stakeholders.
  • Strong understanding of procurement best practices and supply chain management.

Desired criteria :

  • CIPS qualification (MCIPS) or actively working towards it.
  • Experience managing a small team or mentoring junior staff.
  • Familiarity with sustainability reporting standards or carbon reduction frameworks.
  • Project management skills (e.g. Prince2 or Agile methodologies).
  • Advanced Excel or data analysis skills for reporting and insight generation.

For more information on this role please reach out to Jack Groves @ VANRATH for more information.

Skills:Procurement Category Manager Food Bid Manager Tender Procurement Manager

Benefits:Work From Home Additional Benefits & Progression

WHJS1_NI

Posted: May 15th, 2026