Position details
HEAD OF CATEGORY
Location
Posted on
Reference
Benefits
Posted on
Reference
Benefits
Manchester
16/06/2026
NJR16788
Highly Competitive
16/06/2026
NJR16788
Highly Competitive
DESCRIPTION
Due to continued growth our client, a FTSE100 market leading supplier to the retail industry now has several excellent opportunities within their Procurement team.
They are currently seeking 2 Head of Categories - one with Bespoke and the other within Commodities.
Based in Greater Manchester, this business offers:
Hybrid working
Excellent benefits package including Car and bonus
Collaborative and supportive culture
Outstanding career progression opportunities
The Head of Category is a member of the Procurement management team of our clients. Reporting into the Procurement and Sustainability Director, they support in strategy formulation and execution to deliver commercial improvement for the benefit of the business, the customers, teams and the wider group.
As a member of the Procurement Team they role model behaviours, drive a collaborative, supportive working environment and enhance colleague interaction by developing a high performing, collaborative team whilst also driving culture and employee engagement.
The Head of Category: Bespoke is accountable for the development, growth and commercial improvement of bespoke categories, supporting their team to adopt best practice whilst leading on a key category. They are expected to work collaboratively with the Head of Strategic Sourcing to leverage global sourcing opportunities within bespoke categories, developing growth in Exclusive Brands where appropriate. Working collaboratively with the Commercial Finance Manager to shape and development of central earnings pipeline, this role will work closely with the Divisional Sustainability Team and Technical Team to ensure that core categories develop in line with ethical sourcing and environmental requirements.
Growth and Innovation are key themes within the categories. This role will be expected to develop a strong reputation of market leading expertise across the team.
Key Accountabilities:
Lead the Category Team within the Procurement Team.
Lead the strategic delivery of commercial improvement, including product cost reduction and improvements to working capital.
Delivery against all customer savings targets including reduction in EPR or other associated piece of legislation with commercial consequence.
Work collaboratively with subject matter expects to support change.
Implementation of strategic sourcing initiatives.
Ensure execution of the assigned strategic deliverables
Assist in the creation of the departmental functional plan
Delivery of all Leadership & Management activities
Recruit, induct, train, and retain staff of the required number and calibre.
Ensure all people management activities are appropriately actioned.
Ensure all Line Managers within your function discharge their responsibilities to lead, motivate, support, train & develop a high functioning team.
Continuously review team members against the identified and required performance criteria - addressing issues of attendance, performance and conduct concern through HR policies.
Ensure all training requirements are met and regularly reviewed.
Experience & Qualifications required:
Has managed, developed and coached direct reports.
Previous experience of working in an FMCG supply chain environment, ideally with retail experience.
Has developed & executed strategic & tactical procurement plans
Has demonstrated leadership qualities & collaboration across functions
Understands the impact of strong employee engagement and business culture
Actively champions and role models the company values and behaviours
Is highly organised & has effective time management skills & work ethic.
Capacity to take in information & facts.
Strong communication skills including equally strong listening skills
Is able to conduct difficult conversations with employees when required and remain resilient and calm under pressure.
Is able to delegate and values the input and opinions of team and colleagues
Strong IT/Analytical skills
Numerate, bright, enthusiastic, self-sufficient, self-starter, confident, analytical, inquisitive, ability to progress further in future.
Apply online or for further information please contact one of our specialist consultants quoting reference number: NJR16788
They are currently seeking 2 Head of Categories - one with Bespoke and the other within Commodities.
Based in Greater Manchester, this business offers:
Hybrid working
Excellent benefits package including Car and bonus
Collaborative and supportive culture
Outstanding career progression opportunities
The Head of Category is a member of the Procurement management team of our clients. Reporting into the Procurement and Sustainability Director, they support in strategy formulation and execution to deliver commercial improvement for the benefit of the business, the customers, teams and the wider group.
As a member of the Procurement Team they role model behaviours, drive a collaborative, supportive working environment and enhance colleague interaction by developing a high performing, collaborative team whilst also driving culture and employee engagement.
The Head of Category: Bespoke is accountable for the development, growth and commercial improvement of bespoke categories, supporting their team to adopt best practice whilst leading on a key category. They are expected to work collaboratively with the Head of Strategic Sourcing to leverage global sourcing opportunities within bespoke categories, developing growth in Exclusive Brands where appropriate. Working collaboratively with the Commercial Finance Manager to shape and development of central earnings pipeline, this role will work closely with the Divisional Sustainability Team and Technical Team to ensure that core categories develop in line with ethical sourcing and environmental requirements.
Growth and Innovation are key themes within the categories. This role will be expected to develop a strong reputation of market leading expertise across the team.
Key Accountabilities:
Lead the Category Team within the Procurement Team.
Lead the strategic delivery of commercial improvement, including product cost reduction and improvements to working capital.
Delivery against all customer savings targets including reduction in EPR or other associated piece of legislation with commercial consequence.
Work collaboratively with subject matter expects to support change.
Implementation of strategic sourcing initiatives.
Ensure execution of the assigned strategic deliverables
Assist in the creation of the departmental functional plan
Delivery of all Leadership & Management activities
Recruit, induct, train, and retain staff of the required number and calibre.
Ensure all people management activities are appropriately actioned.
Ensure all Line Managers within your function discharge their responsibilities to lead, motivate, support, train & develop a high functioning team.
Continuously review team members against the identified and required performance criteria - addressing issues of attendance, performance and conduct concern through HR policies.
Ensure all training requirements are met and regularly reviewed.
Experience & Qualifications required:
Has managed, developed and coached direct reports.
Previous experience of working in an FMCG supply chain environment, ideally with retail experience.
Has developed & executed strategic & tactical procurement plans
Has demonstrated leadership qualities & collaboration across functions
Understands the impact of strong employee engagement and business culture
Actively champions and role models the company values and behaviours
Is highly organised & has effective time management skills & work ethic.
Capacity to take in information & facts.
Strong communication skills including equally strong listening skills
Is able to conduct difficult conversations with employees when required and remain resilient and calm under pressure.
Is able to delegate and values the input and opinions of team and colleagues
Strong IT/Analytical skills
Numerate, bright, enthusiastic, self-sufficient, self-starter, confident, analytical, inquisitive, ability to progress further in future.
Apply online or for further information please contact one of our specialist consultants quoting reference number: NJR16788
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