Category Specialist - Purchasing

Northampton Business Directory; Wellingborough; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global manufacturer in Wellingborough seeks an experienced Category Specialist to join their procurement team. The role involves managing procurement activities, developing sourcing strategies, and negotiating supplier agreements. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in procurement and strong analytical skills. A competitive salary of £35-£37K and a collaborative environment are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Opportunity for influence in strategic sourcing

Qualifications

• Significant experience in materials control, procurement, or supply chain management.
• Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Highly organised and effective under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Manage procurement activities across assigned categories.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies.
• Negotiate supplier agreements to secure the best outcomes.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Detail-oriented

Self-motivated

Education

HND or equivalent qualification

Tools

MRP systems

Oracle or similar ERP systems

Job description

Location: Wellingborough, UK

Hours of Work: Monday–Thursday 08:00–16:30 | Friday 08:00–13:30

Department: Procurement & Materials

Salary £35-£37K

Travel: Occasional, in line with business requirements

About the Opportunity

Our client, a global leader in the manufacturing and engineering sector, is seeking an experienced Category Specialist to join their procurement and materials team based in Wellingborough. This is an excellent opportunity to join a world‑class organisation known for innovation, product quality, and operational excellence. The business operates on a foundation of integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement, offering a supportive environment where individuals can contribute meaningfully to the company’s success.

Role Overview

The Category Specialist will play a key role in the strategic sourcing and procurement of goods and services essential to the organisation’s operations. This position is responsible for implementing category strategies, negotiating supplier contracts, and ensuring the delivery of cost‑effective, timely, and high‑quality materials. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commercial mindset, excellent analytical ability, and a proactive approach to supplier and stakeholder management.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage procurement activities across assigned categories to meet business objectives.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies to optimise cost, quality, and delivery performance.
• Negotiate supplier agreements and contracts to secure the best commercial outcomes.
• Conduct market analysis to identify risks, trends, and opportunities.
• Lead supplier performance reviews and escalation meetings, driving accountability and improvement.
• Ensure adherence to company procurement policies, ethical standards, and industry regulations.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the procurement function.
• Mentor and guide junior members of the purchasing team.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally to support customer and project requirements.

Category Specialist Qualities, Experience & Attributes

Essential

• HND or equivalent qualification.
• Significant experience in materials control, procurement, or supply chain management.
• Strong understanding of MRP or similar material planning systems.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and stakeholder management skills.
• Highly organised, detail‑oriented, and effective under pressure.
• Self‑motivated and results‑driven, with strong communication skills at all levels.

Desirable

• MCIPS qualification or working towards it.
• Familiarity with Oracle or similar ERP systems (training provided if required).
• Project management experience and a focus on continuous improvement.

What’s on Offer

• Join a globally respected organisation at the forefront of its industry.
• Be part of a forward‑thinking, collaborative team environment.
• Opportunity to influence strategic sourcing and supplier development.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Ready to make your next move? Apply now and bring your expertise to a team that values initiative and innovation.

Please click ‘APPLY NOW’, or call the WSR Team at (phone number removed) for more info.

We appreciate the time and effort invested in your application. While we strive to respond to all applicants promptly, we kindly ask for your understanding in case of delays. If you do not hear from us within 10 days of submitting your application, please assume that, unfortunately, you have not been successful this time.

We will however keep your CV on file and review your suitability against any other vacancies we may have available.