Procurement Category Specialist – Logistics
Location: Reading (with flexibility to work from London, Midlands or Oxfordshire offices)
Salary: Competitive (DOE) + 10% matched pension, 27 days holidays + can buy 5 more, 2pm finish every Friday
Talent Drive is supporting a leading retail organisation that is seeking a Category Specialist to drive sourcing, value creation, supplier strategy and operational excellence across Supply Chain & Logistics categories. This is a brilliant opportunity for a Senior Buyer / Procurement Specialist to take ownership of strategic spend areas, influence senior stakeholders, and deliver multi‑year category strategies that improve cost, service, innovation and risk management across Transport & Warehouse categories.
The Role
* Develop and execute category plans aligned to business priorities and market dynamics
* Lead sourcing projects for high value and complex supply chain & logistics contracts
* Create cost saving strategies and support delivery of value and efficiency programmes
* Build strong relationships with stakeholders to align priorities and enable decision‑making
* Manage key supplier partnerships to drive performance, innovation and continuous improvement
* Lead or support negotiation strategy and contractual agreements
* Track benefits, monitor performance and support risk mitigation and governance
* Utilise digital tools, insights and analytics to optimise category decisions
What We’re Looking For
* 5+ years’ experience within procurement
* Proven capability across category management and supplier negotiation
* Experience working in fast paced, matrixed environments (retail or consumer sectors beneficial)
* Strong stakeholder engagement skills and ability to influence at senior levels
* Analytical mindset, commercially astute and proactive problem solver
* High level of organisation, prioritisation and communication skills
* Curious, driven and able to deliver outcomes independently
To apply or request more details, please send your CV to brad@talentdrive.co.uk for a confidential discussion.
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