Category ManagerLocation: Chandlers FordSalary: £40,000Contract 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:

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