Purchasing Category Manager - Panel Products

Purchasing Category Manager - Panel Products

National Timber Group are seeking to recruit a Category Manager – Panel Products, to join the Procurement team in support of the Procurement Director. You will be developing, defining and implementing the product / supplier strategy for National Timber Group England, including the specific areas of sourcing, supplier selection, pricing, trading margin and route to market.

The ideal candidate will work cross-functionally with procurement, operations, marketing, and sales teams to drive category growth and profitability.

Duties will include:

1. Conduct the annual and ad-hoc negotiations with key suppliers
2. Drive Cost optimisation, supplier consolation and ensure ethical and sustainable sourcing
3. Develop and execute clear and concise Category Strategy plans within the business
4. Be accountable for and drive the implementation of the range within the business and monitor the adherence to this
5. Work in conjunction with Marketing to deliver promotional strategy of the category
6. Support the day-to-day commercial requirements across the Branch network
7. Work closely with internal teams to align procurement strategies with business goals
8. Influence delivery of the business Budgets in conjunction with the product and supplier strategy
9. Ensure sufficient stock levels are held if both central stocking locations and branches and assist with reduction of slow moving and dead stock
10. Drive innovation and new products into the business meeting the needs of the relevant market
11. Gain and develop market, competitor and product knowledge to influence category performance
12. Generate reports and analyse data to act on/ make recommendations on range, pricing, sales plans, promotion

Preferred Skills:

1. 5+ years of experience in category management, procurement, or supply chain management, ideally within the panels or construction materials industry
2. Proven track record of supplier negotiation, cost reduction, and strategic category management
3. Strong analytical skills with experience using procurement tools and data analysis software
4. Experience in contract management, tendering, and supplier evaluation
5. Knowledge of industry-specific regulations and compliance requirements
6. Excellent negotiation and communication skills
7. Strong stakeholder management and ability to influence at all levels
8. Problem-solving mindset with a results-driven approach

Hours, Salary and Benefits:

• Company car
• Company pension
• Full time role, Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week
• Hybrid working with travel to different sites as and when required to meet the business needs
• Employee reward scheme (Reward Gateway discounts at most major supermarkets e.g., Morrisons, Tesco etc and many more offers, discounts)
• Christmas and New Year shutdown
• Free on-site parking
• 6 weeks holiday per year including public bank holiday
• Employee discount available on Company products
• Training, development, and promotion opportunities
• Free access to the Company benefits, rewards, and wellbeing website, including Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Marketing and Sales

Industries

Wholesale Building Materials