As Category Manager, you will lead and manage several categories ensuring cost-effective purchasing of goods and services while maintaining high standards of quality, compliance, and supplier performance. You will be responsible for developing the procurement strategy, negotiating contracts, and driving continuous improvement across these categories. You will be a strategic thinker and be results-driven, working closely with regional and global teams to ensure alignment of company goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders to understand procurement needs in your categories and ensure service delivery.
• Lead the sourcing and tendering process for all items in your category, in line with company objectives, best practice & all relevant legislation & sustainability guidelines.
• Develop, implement and lead procurement strategies across the team, ensuring alignment with business goals and objectives.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, including performance reviews, favourable contract negotiations, and dispute resolution.
• Identify & lead procurement improvement projects for cost savings, process improvements, reduced lead times through strategic sourcing and supplier engagement.
• Regularly present procurement strategies, market reports & savings analysis
• Drive lean initiatives to eliminate waste and enhance procurement efficiency.
• Conduct market intelligence gathering, monitor market trends and assess and manage supply chain risks, implementing contingency plans as required.
• Evaluate and assess existing and prospective suppliers to ensure high quality products and services at competitive prices.
• Explore new markets, products, and processes to support continued innovation and sustainability.
• Manage procurement tools such as Nav and Qliksense to support data-driven procurement practices.
• Identify and evaluate sustainable solutions, alternatives and efficiency opportunities to reduce Devenish’s carbon footprint.
• Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety regulations across all Devenish sites, always promoting a safe working environment.
• Provide leadership and support to other team members where applicable.
• Commit to continuous learning and development to enhance your skills, knowledge and overall performance.
• Demonstrate flexibility regarding working hours and be willing to travel to other Devenish locations as business needs dictate.

Essential Criteria:

• 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.
• Good working knowledge of commercial contract terms, with excellent negotiation techniques and communication skills.
• Awareness of sustainability and ethical sourcing principles.
• Strong analytical and decision-making abilities.
• High attention to detail and commercial awareness.
• Competency in using procurement or ERP systems.
• Ability to prioritise and manage multiple projects effectively.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.
• Flexibility and willingness to travel as required.
• Right to work in the UK.
• Highly motivated
• Creative thinker
• Ability to communicate effectively across all levels as a team player
• Good organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise effectively and work under pressure
• Good ICT skills and proficient in MS packages.
• Skilled at creating positive, collaborative relationships across teams and with stakeholders, fostering a cooperative and supportive work environment.
• Has an agile approach to the role requirements and open to new challenges
• Ability to work both within a team and unsupervised
• Good attendance, timekeeping & disciplinary record
• Full driving licence and access to a car

Desirable 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.

• Based in Belfast
• Hybrid working based on an 80% onsite attendance model, offered in line with training and performance.
• 37.5 hour week
• Salary depending on experience
• 5% company matched pension scheme
• 25 days annual leave plus statutory days
• Life Assurance
• Training and development opportunities to support your career
• Medicash Health Cash Plan and Employee Assistant Programme
• Medicash Reward Extras
• Refer a friend scheme

Devenish is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community