Consortium Professional Recruitment
Category Buyer/Manager

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Consortium Professional Recruitment are pleased to be working with our client to recruit a Category Buyer / Category Manager into an established procurement function. This is an opportunity to take ownership of supplier and category performance, helping to deliver sustainable cost improvements while building strong relationships across the supply chain.
The role can suit someone operating as an experienced Buyer who is ready for greater ownership, or an established Category Manager looking for their next challenge. You will work closely with internal stakeholders and supply partners, using your commercial judgement to identify opportunities, manage risk and support the introduction of new products.
The Opportunity:
As a Category Buyer / Category Manager you’ll play a key role in:
- Developing and implementing category and commodity strategies focused on best total cost and sustainable year-on-year savings.
- Working collaboratively with existing and new suppliers to deliver strategic projects, improve commercial performance and strengthen service levels.
- Sourcing and approving new suppliers, while supporting new product introductions alongside quality and other internal teams.
- Managing supplier relationships, leading regular reviews and identifying opportunities to improve performance across the supply chain.
- Assessing supplier and category risks, developing practical contingency plans and helping resolve supply chain challenges.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Your work will directly contribute to cost reduction, supplier performance, supply chain resilience and the successful delivery of wider business objectives.
About You:
We’re looking for someone who can bring:
- At least three years’ experience within procurement, ideally gained within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
- Strong commercial and negotiation skills, with experience delivering measurable cost savings and supplier improvements.
- Confidence managing supplier relationships and working collaboratively with stakeholders across different business functions and levels.
- An understanding of category or commodity strategy, supplier risk, cost management and continuous improvement.
- Good IT skills, with experience of MRP systems and processes beneficial.
- A CIPS qualification, or progress towards one, would be advantageous but is not essential.
You will be commercially aware, organised and comfortable balancing priorities in a target-driven environment.
You will also bring an analytical approach, clear communication style and the confidence to influence others while developing positive, long-term supplier partnerships.


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The Benefits and Package:
In return, you’ll enjoy:
- £35,000 to £45,000 depending on experience and level.
- Flexible working
- Additional Benefits & perks
How to Apply:
This exciting Category Buyer / Category Manager opportunity is being managed by Consortium Professional Recruitment, a trusted recruitment partner. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, we’d love to hear from you. Please apply with your CV attached.
Consortium Professional Recruitment Ltd are a professional level recruitment consultancy specialising in the delivery of high relevance recruitment services on behalf of our clients across the UK. We regularly receive large responses to our advertising which can make providing individual feedback to every applicant challenging. If you haven’t received a reply from us within 14 days of your application, we regret to say your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. We have a policy of retaining your details for future vacancies unless you request otherwise. To learn more about our services, please visit consortiumrecruitment.co.uk.
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