Procurement Category Manager

Are you a strategic thinker with strong negotiation skills and expertise in procurement? My client is seeking a Category Procurement Manager to lead supplier selection and sourcing plans, delivering outstanding outcomes in quality, cost, and service while mitigating risks effectively.

What You’ll Do:

• Develop and execute sourcing plans to optimise cost, supplier performance, and product quality.
• Benchmark suppliers and proactively identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Build and manage strong supplier relationships to drive value and continuous improvements.
• Provide market insights, ensure alternative supply plans for key lines, and support inventory planning.
• Lead, coach, and develop a procurement team, ensuring high performance and alignment with objectives.
• Collaborate across teams and support strategic goals for Procurement and the broader business.
• Represent the procurement function externally and deputise for the Head of Procurement when needed.

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven procurement expertise, including international sourcing and financial acumen.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with shifting priorities.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities, with the ability to influence, coach, and motivate a team.
• Ideally from a packaging/manufacturing background.

Location: Bedford

Type: Permanent

Salary: £50,000 – £60,000 plus car allowance

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