Category Manager

Location; Warwick (Hybrid Working)

Are you an experienced Category Manager looking for the opportunity to influence procurement strategy across a large-scale national operation?

We are working with a leading business operating within a highly regulated distribution and logistics environment, supporting critical supply chains across the UK. Due to continued growth and investment within the procurement function, we are looking to recruit a Category Manager – Operations to join the team on a hybrid basis.

Reporting to the Head of Procurement, this is a high-profile role responsible for managing approximately £60 million of operational spend across categories including fleet, fuel, facilities management, final mile delivery, drivers and capital expenditure projects. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering cost savings, supplier performance improvements and strategic procurement initiatives across the business.

This role would suit an experienced Category Manager who enjoys building relationships with senior stakeholders, challenging existing ways of working and delivering measurable commercial value through strategic sourcing and supplier management.

Responsibilities of a Category Manager – Operations:

• Develop and deliver category strategies aligned to business objectives and operational requirements

• Manage operational spend categories including fleet, fuel, facilities management, logistics and capital projects

• Lead tender processes, supplier negotiations and sourcing activities

• Deliver cost reduction initiatives and identify value-adding opportunities across the supply chain

• Build and manage strategic supplier relationships to improve performance and service delivery

• Partner with operational stakeholders to understand business requirements and procurement priorities

• Challenge existing processes and drive continuous improvement initiatives

• Track procurement benefits, savings and project outcomes against agreed targets

• Support transformational change programmes across the wider business

• Ensure procurement activities remain compliant with company governance and industry regulations

Skills & Qualifications of a Category Manager – Operations:

• Previous Category Management experience within operational spend categories

• Experience managing fleet, facilities management, logistics or similar operational procurement categories

• Strong commercial negotiation and supplier management skills

• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing abilities

• Strong financial and analytical skills, including total cost of ownership analysis

• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously

• Excellent communication and presentation skills

• Strong Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills

• MCIPS qualified or working towards MCIPS desirable

• Experience within healthcare, pharmaceutical, logistics, wholesale distribution or similarly regulated environments advantageous

Benefits of a Category Manager – Operations:

• Salary up to £52,000

• 10% annual bonus scheme

• Hybrid working arrangement

• Opportunity to influence procurement strategy across a large national operation

• High-profile role with significant stakeholder exposure

• Career development within a growing procurement function

• Supportive and collaborative working environment

• Long-term progression opportunities

If you feel this Category Manager – Operations role is right for you, please contact Becky Prince at Maintech Recruitment for more information or click apply.

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Maintech Recruitment are an equal opportunities agency and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of sex, religion, belief, political opinion, race, age, sexual orientation, marital status or disability.

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