Category Buyer

Reporting to the Head of Commercial and working in conjunction with this role as Category Buyer provides procurement and supplier partnership expertise to our team in the areas of strategic sourcing and category management for the Group.

The Postholder will provide a consistent supplier approach to our Category Management team, customers, sales teams, and the supply chain in order to effectively manage and optimise all procurement activities and leverage expertise for the Group. It is expected that the Postholder will deliver high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective methodologies to support our customers' requirement and future needs, while taking into consideration the engagement of suppliers. A key function of the role is to drive engagement, innovation, and grow the customers' business by leveraging suppliers to increase productivity, performance, and growth within a fair and competitive environment.

They will manage categories within the Zeus portfolio whether it is Corrugate / Tapes / Wrap and liaise with our suppliers holding them to account on performance and cost.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Research, Innovate, Tender, Launch & Review Cycle and execute global, regional, and country supply chain strategies in coordination with key stakeholders
• Lead supplier qualification and sourcing activities ensuring the engagement and buy-in from key stakeholders throughout the process
• Develop, issue, and share supplier scorecards on a regular basis to the relevant internal teams
• Managing SLA's & TA's with Supply Chain Managers
• Category Managers will have managerial responsibilities. Responsible for arranging products training through the whole business (Sales/Intercompany/stake holders)
• Use data, statistics, industry benchmarking, and business experiences to make recommendations to optimize the supply chain strategy and identify new manufacturers and resource pipelines
• Monitor and report margin capabilities and exceptions with GP targets
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders through regular communication and value-added category management support
• Assesses and evaluates supplier business practices, capabilities, competencies, innovation, health, and growth potentials to recommend targeted suppliers that would exceed in responsiveness, financial viability, innovative, and risk mitigation strategies while delivering the best quality candidates
• Analyse and deliver strategic communication to suppliers about performance and expectations in conjunction with corrective action plans
• Align supplier selection, agreement, and processes to meet customer's cost-saving goals by suggesting supplier strategies that would allow win-win results.
• Remain up to date on industry best practices, procurement and supplier management and category trends to drive improvements
• Support Sales in Tenders supporting the whole Commercial team in getting the best price and service for our customers

SCOPE OF POSITION

The role does not have line management responsibility. However, you will be expected to act as a mentor to junior team members who support the purchasing activity for the business, including cross-training where required.

The post holder will be expected to work any hours required in the execution of his/her duties.

LOCATION

This position is located in UK Headquarters in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Required Skills

• Strong presentation skills
• Customer focused attitude – Customers needs at the heart of every decision
• Skilled in collaborative negotiation – internal and external
• Analytical with high attention to detail in administration
• Experienced in market research and the ability to market products effectively
• Ability to make fully informed buying decisions on behalf of the business
• Good verbal comprehension and written communication skills
• Excellent business acumen
• Ability to work to tight deadlines and stay calm under pressure
• Inquisitive and challenging to ensure best practice for Zeus
• Knowledge of SAP desirable

Knowledge and Experience

• Minimum of 2 years proven procurement experience in Corrugate / packaging
• Financially aware (good understanding / experience of managing budgets) and commercially astute with an analytical mind
• Ability to manage third party relationships and spend portfolios
• Strong commercial and contractual experience
• Flexible in approach, capable of prioritising numerous work streams
• Excellent planning, organisation and administration skills
• An effective communicator ensuring key decisions and strategies gain buy in and are delivered

Personal Attributes

• Target driven individual with a desire to succeed.
• Passion for providing outstanding levels of customer service.
• Proactive 'can do' attitude.
• Ability to work as a team and use own initiative when required.
• Progressive, ambitious, and enthusiastic personality traits
• Analytical and results driven

Qualifications

• Educated to a minimum of Level 3 UK A'level/Btec
• CIPS qualification desired or relevant profession qualification
• Computer skills' including Excel / Word / Outlook - Intermediate level is a minimum.