Ibstock Futures

To support our progress, we are currently recruiting for a Category Manager / Senior Buyer to come and join our team at Head Office, Ibstock, LE67 6HS . Job purpose: As a key member of the Ibstock Group Procurement team, you will proactively manage your portfolio of materials and services across 40 sites throughout the UK. With a key focus on cost reduction and achieving true bottom line savings, you will also need to ensure continuity of supply/service and proactive management of associated risks. Using your expertise in procurement, you will manage internal and external relationships, ensuring a high standard of service is delivered, partnering with the different business areas and understanding their current tactical and future strategic procurement needs. Although we have and are in the process of implementing some excellent digital solutions within procurement and the wider business, we would welcome candidates who can bring working knowledge of further E-tools, best practice and who are keen to be part of this transformation. You will develop and implement sourcing plans focusing on cost, quality, and sustainability with an aim of creating partnerships with our key suppliers. Key responsibilities: Developing appropriate sourcing strategies and category plans based on detailed knowledge of the market gained through comprehensive internal and external data collection and evaluation. Preparation and presentation to senior stakeholders of recommended sourcing strategies and the benefits and implementation plans. Developing and working with cross-functional groups in the implementation of sourcing strategies. Accurate measurement of benefits achieved. Negotiations with and management of suppliers in specified categories including the resolution of issues that may arise. Using and applying the company-wide Delegation of Authority. Working closely with General Counsel to draft and implement robust contracts and SLAs with key suppliers. Ensuring contract compliance with end users and suppliers. Collaboration with other Ibstock Group companies both within their assigned categories and on projects as identified. Visit and liaise with sites to encourage good purchasing practice. Provide support to Factory and Departmental Managers as appropriate, looking for opportunities in areas of spend where procurement have yet to develop. Maintain, update and communicate updated commercial and pricing information. Ensure the value of the procurement function is clear to the business and internal stakeholders. Contribute to a positive working environment within the procurement function. Provide Direct Line management for 1 Buyer, with opportunity for this to grow. Deputising for the Head of Group Procurement as and when necessary. Key Attributes: The jobholder will be a high calibre purchasing professional with a record of significant achievement both in cost savings and process improvement/efficiencies. Demonstrable success in Indirect - Essential. Experience with Mobile Plant, Forklifts, Waste and Capex Category areas / Supplier Knowledge - Desirable. Construction knowledge and experience, including Direct Material Procurement - Desirable. MCIPS / Equivalent (or working towards). Strong analytical skills - able to make sound, fact-based recommendations. Proven track record of driving costs down and improving supplier performance. Ability to prioritise and to manage both strategic and operational challenges in a close-knit team. Strong negotiator with first-class interpersonal skills. Excellent project management and influencing skills. Effective and broad IT skills enabling the collection and presentation of information. Sound experience of using E-Procurement Tools for tendering and contract management (including DocuSign). Ability to work on their own initiative toward a range of pre-agreed targets. Ability to lead and mentor junior team members. Ability to chair and lead working groups. Resilient with a drive for change. Passionate about Procurement and developing a strong sense of team culture. Think you can make a difference? WE ARE your future. Full-time, permanent role. Digicare+ Provided by Aviva. 10% matched pension, administered by Legal and General. 3x life insurance. Share Save scheme eligibility. Full access to Employee Assistance programme for self and family members. Access to high street retail discounts platform - with access to discounts at Tesco, Asda, etc. Personal development and career progression opportunities. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion? Excited about the role, but your past experience or qualifications don't perfectly match everything in the job description? We would encourage you to still apply. Studies have shown that some people, particularly from minority groups, are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Here at Ibstock Plc, we are dedicated to building belonging, empowering our colleagues to be their true self by offering a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace. You may just be the right candidate for this role, or other future roles across the Ibstock Group. Ibstock Plc is committed and passionate about building a diverse environment. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. You will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, national origin, disability, or age. Job Information