Part of the Genuit Group, we combine long-term stability with a culture built on teamwork, accountability and continuous improvement. We encourage fresh ideas, invest in development and are committed to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone feels like they belong.
This role sits within the Water Management Division of Genuit Group, encompassing a portfolio of well-established businesses including Polypipe Building Products, Polypipe Civils, and Polypipe Building Services.
We welcome applications from candidates based locally or within a central proximity to our key sites, which include Doncaster, Horncastle and Kent.
Role Overview:
This role is responsible for developing and delivering category strategies across a defined portfolio of indirect spend, including capital expenditure, transport, and packaging. The focus is on ensuring security of supply, cost competitiveness, and robust contractual arrangements across multiple sites.
You will lead complex sourcing activities, manage key supplier relationships, and influence stakeholders to ensure procurement delivers measurable value aligned to business objectives.
With a particular emphasis on capital projects, logistics networks, and packaging optimisation, the role drives strong commercial governance, effective risk mitigation, and structured supplier engagement across high-value and operationally critical spend areas.
Operating within a strategic, multi-site environment, this position requires strong commercial judgement, contract expertise, and the ability to work effectively within a matrix organisation.
What you'll be doing:
Category Strategy and Ownership
* Develop and implement short, medium, and long-term category strategies
* Understand market dynamics, cost drivers, and supply risks
* Track and analyse relevant commodity indices to inform pricing strategies, supplier negotiations, and forward cost visibility
* Lead sourcing decisions aligned to business requirements and technical needs
* Maintain a clear supplier segmentation and sourcing roadmap
Commercial & Contract Management
* Lead all commercial negotiations, including pricing, payment terms, and contractual protections
* Ensure all suppliers operate under robust contractual frameworks (Genuit T&Cs / agreements)
* Drive total cost of ownership improvements (not just price)
* Manage contract lifecycle, renewals, and re-tendering activity
* Develop and manage strategic supplier relationships
* Implement structured supplier performance management (QCD – Quality, Cost, Delivery)
* Lead supplier reviews, improvement plans, and escalation where required
* Identify and onboard alternative suppliers to reduce dependency and risk
Risk & Supply Chain Resilience
* Identify and mitigate supply, financial, and operational risks
* Ensure continuity of supply across all sites
* Develop contingency plans for key suppliers and commodities
* Monitor market volatility (e.g. raw materials, logistics, capacity constraints)
Stakeholder Management & Influence
* Act as the commercial lead across multiple sites
* Influence senior stakeholders (Operations, Finance, Engineering, SLT)
* Challenge demand, specifications, and sourcing approaches where appropriate
* Drive compliance to procurement processes and governance
Performance & Delivery
* Deliver against agreed KPIs: Cost savings / cost avoidance, Payment term improvements, Contract coverage
* Provide clear reporting and insight on category performance
* Identify and implement process improvements and efficiencies
* Support standardisation across sites and categories
* Contribute to broader procurement strategy and transformation initiatives
Your experience:
* Proven experience in commodity or category management within a manufacturing environment
* Strong track record in commercial negotiation and contract management
* Experience managing multi-site or regional spend portfolios
* Exposure to complex supply chains and critical materials or services
* Strong commercial acumen with well-developed negotiation skills
* Ability to influence stakeholders effectively within a matrix organisation, without direct authority
* Analytical mindset, with the ability to interpret cost drivers and market trends
* Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
* Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and perform under pressure
* High level of autonomy, with confident decision-making capability
* Solid understanding of procurement and supply chain principles
* Good knowledge of contract law and commercial frameworks, including supplier agreement management
* Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems (IFS preferred)
* Understanding of manufacturing processes and cost structures
* Willingness to travel across multiple UK and international sites
* Highly motivated, self-driven, and results-focused
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