Category Manager

Salary: Competitive salary, car/allowance plus Veolia benefits

Location: Cannock

12 month Fixed Term contract

When you see the world as we do, you see the chance to help the world take better care of its resources, and help it become a better place for everyone. It's why we're looking for someone who's just as committed as we are, to push for genuine change and bring our ambition of Ecological Transformation to life.

We know that everyone here at Veolia can help us work alongside our communities, look after the environment, and contribute to our inclusive culture.

What we can offer you:

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, plus option to buy upto 5 days

• Onsite Gym

• Access to our company pension scheme

• Discounts on everything from groceries to well-known retailers

• Access to a range of resources to support your physical, mental and financial health; so you can lean on us whenever you need to

• 24 hour access to a virtual GP, 365 days a year, for you and family members in your household

• One paid day's leave every year to volunteer and support your community

• Ongoing training and development opportunities, allowing you to reach your full potential

What you'll be doing:

As a Category Manager - Logistics & Waste Disposal within the Procurement team, you will be responsible for developing and executing strategic category management plans for assigned categories within Veolia's supply chain. This role is pivotal in driving value creation, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and Group Procurement initiatives.

This role is being offered as a 12 month fixed term contract.

Key Responsibilities:

• Continuously enhance negotiation and analytical skills to drive better outcomes

• Implement innovative solutions to drive cost savings, improve quality, and enhance supplier performance

• Measure and report on category performance using relevant KPIs and metrics

• Identify and mitigate category-specific risks to ensure business continuity and compliance

• Manage and develop Category Specialists, providing guidance and support

• Delegate tasks appropriately to team members, ensuring their growth and development

• Collaborate with other Category Managers and Procurement Business Partners to share best practices and align strategies

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and suppliers to deliver category objectives

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure optimal performance and value

• Engage with cross-functional teams to align category strategies with overall business goals

• Negotiate contracts and terms with suppliers to achieve favourable outcomes

• Liaise effectively with Procurement Business Partners to align category strategies with business unit needs

• Interface with Group Procurement to ensure local category strategies are consistent with global directives

• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers to ensure optimal performance and value

• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide feedback to suppliers

• Collaborate with suppliers on innovation and continuous improvement initiatives

• Negotiate contracts and terms to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes

• Manage supplier risks and implement mitigation strategies as needed

• Engage with business units and Procurement Business Partners to understand specific needs and requirements

• Collaborate on demand forecasting, planning, and budgeting to ensure optimal service levels

• Work closely with finance to analyse spend data and identify cost-saving opportunities

• Collaborate with legal, compliance, and sustainability teams to ensure comprehensive category management

• Support the Head of Category Management in engaging with Group Procurement on relevant Group Categories

• Develop category-specific action plans that address sustainability goals

• Conduct sustainability risk assessments and propose mitigation strategies

• Identify opportunities for implementing circular economy principles within assigned categories

What we're looking for:

Essential:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field or CIPS qualified (MCIPS) or working towards

• Experience within a similar role 

• Experience in managing specific spend categories

• Proficient skills in strategic procurement, contract management, business acumen, relationship management, effective communication, time management, informed decision making, continuous improvement, project management, IT proficiency, risk management, and data analysis

• Advanced expertise in category-specific knowledge, supplier relationship management, and negotiation skills

• Proficient understanding of sustainability and ESG knowledge

Desirable:

• Chartered CIPS Status, MBA

• Ability to work well under pressure

• Supportive team player and inclusive collaborator

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Innovative problem solver.

What’s next?

Apply today, so we can make a difference for generations to come.

We're proud to have been named as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work for three consecutive years in 2023, 2024 and 2025. This consistent recognition reflects our commitment to our people, demonstrating that Veolia is not just transforming the environment, we're also transforming what it means to have a rewarding, purposeful career. 

We're dedicated to supporting you throughout your application journey, offering adjustments where reasonable and appropriate. As a proud Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to applicants with a disability or long-term condition who opt-in to the Disability Confident scheme, and meet the minimum criteria for our roles. 

We're also committed to ensuring that all applicants and colleagues receive fair treatment without discrimination on any grounds, aiming to create a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.