Category Buyer

Category Buyer | Maidstone, Kent (on-site) | £35,000 – £40,000 + bonus

My client, a leading manufacturer, is seeking a proactive and commercially minded Category Buyer to join their Procurement team.

Reporting to the Head of Procurement, you will take ownership of key spend categories, ensuring products and materials are sourced cost-effectively, delivered on time, and managed through strong supplier relationships.

Role and Responsibilities

• Take ownership of designated product categories, managing supplier performance and commercial outcomes
• Raise and manage purchase orders, including direct and drop shipments
• Negotiate delivery schedules and supplier lead times to ensure stock availability
• Monitor inventory levels and support demand planning activities
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships through regular reviews and meetings
• Produce supplier scorecards and performance reports
• Support the development and improvement of procurement systems, processes, and reporting tools
• Identify cost-saving and value improvement opportunities across assigned categories

Essential Skills

• Previous procurement, purchasing, or category buying experience within a manufacturing, engineering, or construction environment
• Strong supplier management and negotiation skills
• Good understanding of inventory management, demand planning, and forecasting principles
• Experience using ERP or procurement systems
• Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail
• CIPS qualification or studying towards CIPS advantageous but not essential

Package

• £35,000 – £40,000 per annum
• Company bonus scheme
• Car allowance