Job description

VANRATH are delighted to be partnering with a major company in Northern Ireland with the Recruitment of a Category Manager to join a growing and dynamic company based in Belfast.

This position is based in the company's Belfast office. Monday - Friday position. Hybrid working is available (80% in the office / 20% at home)

This is a Permanent position. This company has an excellent reputation.

Salary

Negotiable + other Additional Benefits (Top Company) + Fantastic work benefits and Environment + Holiday Package (25 days leave + Stats) & Progression Opportunities

Overview:
As a Category Manager, you will oversee and manage multiple categories, driving cost-effective procurement of goods and services while upholding high standards of quality, compliance, and supplier performance.

Responsibilities:

Partner with stakeholders to understand category needs and ensure effective service delivery.
Lead sourcing, tendering, and procurement strategies aligned with business goals and sustainability standards.
Build strong supplier relationships, managing performance, contracts, and disputes.
Drive cost savings, efficiency, and innovation through strategic sourcing and improvement projects.
Monitor markets, assess risks, and implement contingency and sustainability initiatives.
Use procurement tools (e.g., Nav, Qliksense) to enable data-driven decisions.
Ensure compliance with Health & Safety regulations and promote a safe workplace.
Support and mentor team members, pursue continuous development, and maintain flexibility for travel and changing business needs.

Requirements:

Degree-level education in Business, Procurement, Supply Chain, or related discipline, or equivalent work experience.
Minimum 4 years of proven procurement and negotiation experience in a similar role.
Demonstrable success in sourcing, supplier negotiation, and cost-saving initiatives.
Experience in managing supplier relationships and contract performance.
Track record of working cross-functionally with internal stakeholders.
Strong understanding of procurement best practices and supply chain management.

Desired criteria :

CIPS qualification (MCIPS) or actively working towards it.
Experience managing a small team or mentoring junior staff.
Familiarity with sustainability reporting standards or carbon reduction frameworks.
Project management skills (e.g. Prince2 or Agile methodologies).
Advanced Excel or data analysis skills for reporting and insight generation.

For more information on this role please reach out to Jack Groves @ VANRATH for more information.

"The team at VANRATH were incredibly supportive throughout my job search. They kept me fully informed at every stage and offered excellent guidance during the interview process. Everything moved quickly and smoothly, and I would highly recommend getting in touch with them if you're considering a new role."

"VANRATH were extremely helpful in securing my new position. They provided interview tips, sample questions, and ensured I received prompt feedback after each stage."

I recently worked with Hannah while looking for a new opportunity, and she was exceptional. She arranged interviews within a day of our first conversation, and the level of interview preparation she provided was outstanding. Thanks to her support, I have now started a new role. I highly recommend Hannah to anyone seeking a position in accountancy or finance.

I've only recently begun using VANRATH in my search for suitable employment, and I'm delighted with the experience so far. The Senior Accountancy and Finance Specialist has been proactive in sourcing roles that align perfectly with my skills and has kept me fully updated throughout the process. I couldn't recommend their support more highly.

VANRATH Recruitment delivered an excellent service. I found the team engaging, both professionally and personally. They consistently kept me informed about the progress of my application and ensured my career goals were prioritised. Robbie Lemon was friendly, professional, and instrumental in helping me secure a temporary role that matched my goals, making my transition into the UK financial sector smooth and positive, especially given my previous experience abroad.