Job Title: Category Buyer – Logistics (Aftermarket) IP
Location: Gaydon Warwickshire
Rate: £40.73ph via an Umbrella Company (Inside IR35) or £30.31ph on a PAYE basis
Employment Type: Maternity Cover Contract (To 12/07/2027)
Hours: Standard 40 Hours Per Week
Department: IP (Indirect Procurement) / Logistics
Reference: J37216251
The role leads contract management, supplier relationship management, and sourcing activities within Indirect Procurement for Aftermarket Logistics. It is responsible for delivering category strategies, ensuring alignment with stakeholders, and driving performance across cost, quality, and service.
Key Responsibilities
Category Strategy
* Develop, maintain, and deploy the Strategy Category Plan (SCP) for assigned sub-categories.
* Ensure sourcing decisions follow category strategy, policy, and annual review requirements.
* Align internal stakeholders on strategy, supplier selection, and go-to-market approaches.
Sourcing
* Deliver sourcing through the Global Sourcing Process (GSP), applying Total Cost of Ownership principles.
* Lead complex supplier negotiations, securing legal and financial approvals.
* Manage global strategy documentation and ensure adherence to sourcing governance.
* Collaborate with regional buying teams to ensure consistent deployment of strategy.
* Identify make-vs-buy opportunities and support risk management activities.
* Maintain primary responsibility for supplier interactions and performance delivery.
Contract Management
* Operate contract governance with stakeholders and Finance, ensuring timely inputs and action resolution.
* Lead dispute resolution, contract and PO change management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
* Provide insights from existing contracts to inform future strategies.
* Support supplier onboarding, financial reconciliation, and contract audits.
* Ensure compliance with the Contract Management Guide.
Supplier Relationship Management
* Conduct Supplier Relationship Performance Surveys and maintain action plans.
* Lead supplier business reviews, capturing actions and driving completion.
* Ensure effective execution of Supplier Relationship and Supplier Performance Management processes.
Key Performance Indicators
* Delivery of savings targets (budgetary and value-add).
* SCP completion and approval rates.
* GSP adherence, sourcing timing, and first-time-through performance.
* Contract and supplier relationship management KPIs.
Key Interactions
* Internal stakeholders, budget holders, requisitioners.
* Suppliers (typically account or operations directors).
* OGC, Supplier Risk Team, Regional Buying Teams, Finance.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Essential
* Strong results orientation, resilience, and ability to deliver in complex environments.
* Degree or equivalent experience preferred.
* Commercial awareness, negotiation capability, and understanding of category management.
* Strategic thinking and global business experience.
* Operational contract management and relationship-building skills.
* Flexibility and agility to adapt to changing business needs.
Desirable
* Experience working within stakeholder operational areas.
* Category-specific knowledge and supplier experience.
* Relevant professional qualifications.
** THIS POSITION IS CONFIRMED INSIDE IR35**