Salary £32,000 - £35,000 Subject to experience Procurement Category Lead (Indirect spend) Salary: £32-35k dependent on experience Location: Stockport (3 days in office) Can you source the best quality products whilst balancing budgets? Are you a natural negotiator with a keen eye for detail? We’re looking for our new Category Lead (Indirect spend), and it could be you The Logistics team are looking for a Category Lead who has previous experience in procurement and strategic sourcing, with a focus on indirect category spend management. You’ll be there to support our operating companies, managing a portfolio of contracts across both facilities products and services including things like Waste and Vending/Catering, Tools and Stationery. You’ll play a pivotal role in sourcing the right products and suppliers whilst mitigating risk to the business, with the primary focus of the Category Lead to drive best value within our supply chain and ensure operation excellence for our operating companies. As part of the Logistics department, you will work as part of a wider team supporting operating companies, managing internal and external stakeholders, and managing supply chain partners. A little more of what you’ll do: Strategic Sourcing: Develop and implement strategic sourcing plans to streamline processes ensuring compliance, drive cost control and savings, improve quality, and supplier performance through agreed KPIs & SLAs. Formally tender spend to identify, evaluate, and select suppliers that align with organisational goals. Negotiation and Contract Management: Lead negotiations with facilites suppliers to secure favourable terms, pricing, and contractual agreements. Draft, review, and manage contracts, ensuring compliance and mitigating risks. Cost Management: Analyse market trends and conduct cost-benefit analysis to optimise procurement decisions. Implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality and service levels. Supplier Relationship Management: Foster positive relationships with key suppliers and manage and improve ongoing supplier performance. Address and resolve any issues related to quality, service delivery, or contractual compliance. Collaboration with Stakeholders: Work closely with our Engineering teams and our Health, Safety and Environment teams to understand their sourcing needs and requirements. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align procurement strategies with overall business objectives. Market Research: Stay informed about industry trends, market conditions, and regulatory changes affecting indirect sourcing. Provide insights and recommendations to senior management based on market analysis. Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure adherence to procurement policies, legal requirements, and ethical standards. Identify and mitigate potential risks related to the indirect sourcing process. Continuous Improvement: Implement continuous improvement initiatives in sourcing processes. Evaluate and recommend enhancements to streamline procurement procedures. Supplier Diversity and Sustainability: Promote supplier diversity initiatives and sustainable sourcing practices. Evaluate and select suppliers with a commitment to environmental and social responsibility. What we need from you: You’ll have proven experience in procurement and strategic sourcing, with a focus on indirect category spend management. You’ll have strong negotiation, analytical, and project management skills and a keen eye for detail, with a commercial focus. You’ll be an excellent communicator, and have proven project management experience Most importantly, you’ll be passionate about what we do About Us Stagecoach is part of the fabric of daily life in the UK and we are proud to have served communities across the UK for more than 40 years. We connect people with jobs, bring customers to high streets, help young people access education and build new skills, and draw families, friends and communities together. Our plan starts with steps to improve the sustainability of our own business and is led by our strategy; Driving Net Zero: Better Places to Live and Work. The strategy is our long-term vision to make a difference for our planet, the people we employ, the communities we serve, and the health and wellbeing of us all. By focussing on embedding wider benefits to our planet, our communities, our customers and our employees. We will: Help the country on its journey to net zero and protect our natural resources Make our business safer for our employees, our customers and others Give back and play our part in delivering more sustainable communities Support happy and engaged people in our workforce Embed sustainability in our business and measure our performance If this sounds like the right role for you, click on that apply button now Stagecoach workplace culture is one where everyone can be themselves and where all the differences our people bring to the business are celebrated. We welcome applications from all, irrespective of background, gender, ethnicity, race, religion, beliefs, disability, neurodiversity, sexual orientation or age. Location: Stagecoach Shared Service Centre One Exchange, 20 Railway Road Stockport SK1 3SW