Category Manager

Job Title: Category Manager - Haulage & Waste Disposal
Location: Cannock

When you see the world as we do, you see the chance to help the world take better care of its resources, and help it become a better place for everyone. It's why we're looking for someone who's just as committed as we are, to push for genuine change and bring our ambition of Ecological Transformation to life.

We know that everyone here can help us work alongside our communities, look after the environment, and contribute to our inclusive culture.

What you'll be doing:
As a Category Manager - Haulage & Waste Disposal within the Procurement team, you will be responsible for developing and executing strategic category management plans for waste transportation (haulage) and waste disposal services. This role focuses on managing third-party subcontractors who provide these services on behalf of the company, rather than our own self-delivery operations. You will lead competitive tendering processes and negotiate rates for waste haulage and disposal across multiple waste streams including hazardous, non-hazardous, inert, and specialised waste categories. Logistics in this context refers specifically to the transportation of waste materials via road, rail, sea, and air freight - not warehouse or storage logistics. This role is pivotal in driving value creation, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and
Group Procurement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:
Tendering & Rate Negotiation:
● Lead end-to-end tendering processes for waste transportation and disposal services
● Negotiate competitive rates and contract terms with haulage providers and waste disposal subcontractors
● Conduct market analysis to ensure best value across all transportation modes (road, rail, sea, air)
● Manage fuel surcharge mechanisms and demurrage arrangements
● Negotiate contracts and terms with suppliers to achieve favourable outcomes
● Negotiate contracts and terms to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes

Subcontractor & Supplier Management:
● Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure optimal performance and value
● Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers to ensure optimal performance and value
● Manage and develop relationships with third-party subcontractors providing waste transportation and disposal services
● Conduct regular performance reviews and provide feedback to suppliers
● Monitor subcontractor compliance with health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements
● Implement performance improvement plans where required
● Manage supplier risks and implement mitigation strategies as needed
● Collaborate with suppliers on innovation and continuous improvement initiatives
● Implement innovative solutions to drive cost savings, improve quality, and enhance supplier performance

Category Strategy & Performance:
● Develop and execute category strategies for waste transportation (road, rail, sea, air freight) and waste disposal services
● Manage spend across diverse waste treatment categories including incineration, landfill, recycling, composting, and specialised treatments
● Measure and report on category performance using relevant KPIs and metrics
● Identify and mitigate category-specific risks to ensure business continuity and compliance
● Continuously enhance negotiation and analytical skills to drive better outcomes

Stakeholder Collaboration:
● Collaborate with internal stakeholders and suppliers to deliver category objectives
● Engage with cross-functional teams to align category strategies with overall business goals
● Engage with business units and Procurement Business Partners to understand specific needs and requirements
● Liaise effectively with Procurement Business Partners to align category strategies with business unit needs
● Interface with Group Procurement to ensure local category strategies are consistent with global directives
● Collaborate on demand forecasting, planning, and budgeting to ensure optimal service levels
● Work closely with finance to analyse spend data and identify cost-saving opportunities
● Collaborate with legal, compliance, and sustainability teams to ensure comprehensive category management
● Collaborate with other Category Managers and Procurement Business Partners to share best practices and align strategies
● Support the Head of Category Management in engaging with Group Procurement on relevant Group Categories

Team Leadership:
● Manage and develop a Category Specialist, providing guidance and support
● Delegate tasks appropriately to team members, ensuring their growth and development

Sustainability & Continuous Improvement:
● Develop category-specific action plans that address sustainability goals
● Conduct sustainability risk assessments and propose mitigation strategies
● Identify opportunities for implementing circular economy principles within assigned categories

What we're looking for:
Essential:
● Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field or CIPS qualified
(MCIPS) or working towards
● Proven experience within a similar procurement or category management role
● Demonstrable experience running competitive tenders for spend categories
● Strong track record of negotiating haulage rates and waste disposal contracts
● Experience managing third-party subcontractors and service providers
● Experience in managing waste transportation and/or waste disposal spend categories
● Proficient skills in strategic procurement, contract management, business acumen, relationship management, effective communication, time management, informed decision making, continuous improvement, project management, IT proficiency, risk management, and data analysis
● Advanced expertise in category-specific knowledge, supplier relationship management, and negotiation skills
● Proficient understanding of sustainability and ESG knowledge
● Understanding of waste management regulations and compliance requirements

Desirable:
● Chartered CIPS Status (MCIPS) or Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CMILT)
● MBA or relevant Master's qualification
● Experience within the waste management or environmental services sector
● Knowledge of hazardous waste regulations and special waste handling requirements
● Experience with freight forwarding, customs brokerage, or international transportation
● Ability to work well under pressure
● Supportive team player and inclusive collaborator
● Excellent verbal and written communication skills
● Innovative problem solver

Guidant, Carbon60, Lorien & SRG - The Impellam Group Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy