Category Buyer

Exeter Area

Butler Rose is delighted to be recruiting on behalf of a well-established business based in the Exeter area. We are seeking a commercially minded Category Buyer to join their procurement team and play a key role in managing supplier relationships, driving cost reductions, and ensuring an efficient and reliable supply chain.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced buyer looking to develop their career within a fast-paced environment where they can make a tangible impact on business performance.

The Role

Reporting into the Procurement Manager, you will take responsibility for managing a range of product categories, ensuring supplier performance, cost competitiveness, and product availability. You'll work closely with stakeholders across the business to support sourcing activities, new product introductions, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing and developing relationships with existing suppliers
• Identifying and delivering cost-saving opportunities across assigned categories
• Running RFQs and leading sourcing activities to support business requirements
• Negotiating pricing, terms, and long-term supply agreements
• Monitoring supplier performance across cost, quality, delivery, and service levels
• Supporting new product introductions and product life cycle management activities
• Working collaboratively with internal stakeholders to ensure supply continuity
• Managing procurement projects and contributing to category strategies
• Identifying and mitigating supply chain risks
• Analysing market trends and supplier performance data to support decision-making

About You

The successful candidate will have:

• Previous purchasing, buying or procurement experience within a distribution, manufacturing or engineering environment
• Strong supplier negotiation and relationship management skills
• Experience managing cost reduction and sourcing projects
• Good commercial awareness and analytical ability
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems (SAP experience would be advantageous)
• The ability to work independently whilst managing multiple priorities
• Project or continuous improvement experience would be beneficial

What's on Offer?

• Great salary - please contact for details
• 25 days paid annual leave + bank holidays
• Hybrid working - 2 days WFH
• Annual bonus
• Company Pension Plan (Salary Sacrifice)
• Life assurance cover
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• 24/7 Virtual GP
• Critical Illness Health Insurance Plan

If you're an experienced Buyer looking for your next challenge in the Exeter area, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today through Butler Rose for a confidential discussion

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Butler Rose is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.
Butler Rose Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.