Procurement Category Manager

Continuing with OCU Groups significant growth, we have an exciting new opportunity for an experienced Procurement Category Manager to be based in Stockport.

As a Procurement Category Lead, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of procurement within a designated category of spend. Your primary objective will be to optimise costs, streamline processes, and ensure the highest quality of goods and services are obtained while adhering to the organization's procurement policies and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Category Strategy Development: Develop and implement strategic plans for the assigned category, aligning with the overall procurement and organisational objectives. This includes analysing market trends, conducting supplier assessments, and identifying opportunities for cost savings and process improvements.
2. Supplier Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers within the category. Negotiate contracts, terms, and conditions to secure favourable pricing, quality, and delivery terms. Monitor supplier performance and address any issues or concerns in a timely manner.
3. Sourcing and Procurement: Lead the sourcing process for the category, from supplier identification and selection to contract award and implementation. Utilise best practices and procurement tools to drive efficiency and effectiveness throughout the procurement lifecycle.
4. Cost Management: Drive cost reduction initiatives within the category through price negotiations, supplier consolidation, and demand management strategies. Monitor and track spend against budget targets, providing regular updates and recommendations for cost-saving opportunities.
5. Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks associated with the category, such as supply chain disruptions, quality issues, and regulatory compliance. Develop contingency plans and alternative sourcing strategies to ensure continuity of supply and minimise business impact.
6. Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with internal stakeholders, including finance, operations, and legal teams, to understand business requirements and priorities. Collaborate on projects and initiatives that involve the procurement category, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and objectives.
7. Continuous Improvement: Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the procurement function, seeking opportunities to enhance processes, systems, and policies related to the category. Stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging trends to maintain a competitive advantage.

Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field. Master's degree or professional certification (e.g., CIPS) is a plus.
• Proven experience in procurement, category management, or strategic sourcing roles, preferably within Civil engineering, utilities, construction sector.
• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to influence and persuade stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and collaborate across diverse teams.
• Proficiency in procurement software and tools, such as SAP Ariba, Coupa, or Oracle Procurement Cloud.
• Knowledge of relevant regulations and compliance standards in procurement, including EU procurement directives and UK public procurement regulations.

Company Information

Established in 1994, OCU Group is one of the fastest growing utility engineering contractors in the UK, with a long successful track record in delivering engineering solutions.

Working directly with many of the country’s leading blue-chip power, water, telecoms, and rail clients, we are looking for the very best talent to join our growing team.

We pride ourselves on empowering our employees and offering opportunities for them to take control of their own personal development and career progression in a supportive environment.

We believe that being successful is a choice. We choose to be successful.

We are OCU, ‘One Company United’.

As an equal opportunities employer, we are committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and do not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us.