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.
Jack was one of the most helpful and communicative professionals I've ever had the pleasure of working with. Thanks to his support, I secured a better role along with a significant pay increase. I would highly recommend Vanrath and their outstanding representatives to anyone exploring new career opportunities.
I've been working with Vanrath for just under a year, and I have to say, the team-especially Jack-are exceptional at what they do. Any time I had a question, concern, or issue, they were quick, efficient, and always willing to help. Their dedication truly sets them apart.
I highly recommend Vanrath. They responded to my application incredibly quickly, and I had the pleasure of working with Jack, who was truly committed to finding a role that aligned with my long-term career goals. He kept me informed at every stage of the process, ensuring everything went smoothly. I'm now beginning a fantastic new role thanks to Jack's guidance and support.
Working with Jack was an outstanding experience. He was highly professional, consistently communicative, and genuinely invested in matching me with the right opportunity. Because of his efforts, I secured an excellent position that perfectly fits my skills and aspirations. I wholeheartedly recommend Jack to anyone searching for roles.

Skills Required