Salary: £32,000 - £35,000 Subject to experience
Position: Category Lead (Direct Spend)
Location: Stockport (3 days in office)
Are you a natural negotiator with a keen eye for detail? Can you source the best quality products whilst reducing cost? We’re looking for our new Category Lead (Direct Spend), and it could be you!
The Logistics team is looking for a Category Lead who has previous experience in procurement and strategic sourcing, focusing on direct category spend management. You’ll drive best value within our supply chain and ensure operational excellence as we collaborate and develop new partnerships with clients, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
The Category Lead will target direct spend on engineering spares, delivering contracts and ongoing pricing reviews for our depots, driving optimum availability, best quality, and cost reduction.
A little more of what you’ll do:
1. Strategic Sourcing: Support the Category Manager to develop and implement strategic sourcing plans to align with our business goals and objectives. Formally tender spend to identify, evaluate, and select suppliers that align with organisational goals, particularly regarding our Net Zero targets.
2. Negotiation and Contract Management: Lead negotiations with suppliers to secure favourable terms, pricing, and contractual agreements. Draft, review, and manage contracts, ensuring compliance and mitigating risks.
3. Cost Management: Analyse market trends and conduct cost-benefit analyses to optimise procurement decisions. Implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality and service levels.
4. 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.
5. Collaboration with Stakeholders: Work closely with Engineering, Technical, and Sustainability to understand their sourcing needs and requirements. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align procurement strategies with overall business objectives.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Continuous Improvement: Implement continuous improvement initiatives in sourcing processes. Evaluate and recommend enhancements to streamline procurement procedures.
9. Supplier Diversity and Sustainability: Promote supplier diversity initiatives and sustainable sourcing practices. Evaluate and select suppliers with a commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
10. Teamwork: Ability to help support and develop people, creating a high-performance team culture.
What we need from you:
You’ll have proven experience in procurement and strategic sourcing, with a focus on direct category spend management. Significant experience with analysing high volume data is essential – a keen eye for detail, a passion for numbers, and a commercial focus are necessary, along with some experience in developing and supporting team members.
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 has served communities across the UK for over 40 years. We connect people with jobs, help young people access education, and support communities. Our strategy, Driving Net Zero: Better Places to Live and Work, aims to improve sustainability and make a difference for our planet, communities, and employees.
If this sounds like the right role for you, click on that apply button now!
Stagecoach workplace culture is inclusive, celebrating the differences our people bring to the business. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, race, religion, beliefs, disability, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, or age.
Location: Stagecoach Shared Service Centre, One Exchange, 20 Railway Road, Stockport, SK1 3SW
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