Senior Category Manager

Full Job Description

Heidelberg Materials Where Diversity Empowers, Individuality Inspires, and Together, We can achieve Net Carbon Zero

We are dedicated to an inclusive and respectful workplace, valuing diverse skills and backgrounds for our business success. Our culture promotes openness, transparency, and individual growth. We actively encourage diversity in the construction industry and welcome all applicants, regardless of perfect alignment with job descriptions. Elevate your life with our family-friendly policies prioritising wellbeing.

Purpose of Role:

The Senior Category Manager - CAPEX is a pivotal role designed to lead all facets of capital investment projects across UK Business Lines. The position encompasses tendering, negotiating, and contracting, a well-rounded approach to investment project management, and delivering outstanding service levels in purchasing agreements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Execute strategic sourcing and develop negotiation strategies in line with company policies, ensuring all stakeholders are engaged and informed.
• Develop effective sourcing strategies, selection criteria, and manage approved supplier relationships for optimal cost, service, and quality.
• Lead CAPEX project tender processes, from evaluation to legal contract development, particularly for major assets and plant machinery.
• Foster collaborative relationships with internal teams, legal departments, and the Global Sourcing team to develop contracts and achieve procurement objectives.
• Ensure operational continuity by managing purchasing contracts and liaising with business units to drive value.
• Monitor supplier performance against Service Level Agreements and provide actionable vendor performance feedback.
• Drive continuous development and improvement, staying updated on market trends and introducing innovative methods for effective procurement.

Requirements:

• Procurement or Commercial experience within a multi-unit business environment, particularly with capital investment projects.
• Demonstrable track record of developing and negotiating national/regional contracts, with knowledge of relevant legal frameworks.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen including Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) model comprehension.
• Proficient in relevant software such as SAP R/3 and e-procurement tools.
• Proficient with Microsoft Excel and keen interest in IT advancement such as automation, emerging procurement solutions and Generative AI technologies.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of influencing and persuasively engaging with stakeholders at all levels.

Education:

• Necessary: Bachelor's degree or equivalent; Graduate Diploma in Supply Chain Management, MCIPS certification.
• Desired: Master's degree (MsC or MBA), Industry professional qualifications.

Competencies:

• Preferably knowledge of cement, aggregates, RMC, and asphalt business.
• High commitment to customer/supplier relationship management, efficiency, and results.
• Competent in fostering a collaborative environment.
• Agile, decisive, and adaptable, with strong negotiation and communication skills and a drive for continuous learning and innovation.
• Commitment to sustainable management practices, safety, environmental protection, and compliance with laws and regulations.

What’s on Offer:

Salary: Competitive Salary plus performance bonus

Bupa

27 days holiday plus bank holidays

Location: Maidenhead or Chipping Sodbury - Hybride

Hours: 40

Employer of choice : Armed Forces Covenant (Silver) / Disability Confident Committed / 5% Club (Gold) / Mates in Mind / Clear Assured (Foundation) / The Mineral Products and Qualification Council (MPQC) / STEM Ambassador 

Compensation Package : Bonus incentives / Generous Pension Schemes up to 15% / Life Assurance 

Work Life Balance: 27 days holiday (excluding bank holidays) / Agile working / Flexible working / Holiday purchase / Sabbatical

Family Friendly: Enhanced policies such as Maternity / Paternity / Parental Leave / Neonatal / Adoption

Social Values : paid Volunteering Day every year / Communities (LGBTQ+, Network of Woman, Woman in Science and Engineering (STEM), Armed Forces)

Wellbeing : Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) / Mental Health First Aiders / Cycle to Work / Employee Benefits portal including Gym discount / Free eye tests / Discounted Private Medical cover