Associated British Ports
Operates ports and infrastructure, facilitating trade and logistics across the UK.
2 days ago
Junior (1-3 years), Intermediate (4-7 years), Expert & Leadership (13+ years), Experienced (8-12 years)
Full Time
Southampton, England, United Kingdom
Hybrid
Company Size
1,800 Employees
Service Specialisms
Sector Specialisms
Description
category strategy
sourcing projects
procurement planning
supplier engagement
kpi management
supplier coordination
The Category Specialist will lead strategic category planning for corporate services, deliver high‑value sourcing, and manage suppliers throughout the full lifecycle. You will shape category strategies, unlock cost savings and ensure optimal performance from the supply chain.
- Build and deliver category strategies that generate value and savings.
- Lead end‑to‑end sourcing projects and manage procurement activities in line with policy.
- Own the procurement plan, monitoring future demand and market shifts.
- Engage and develop suppliers through events and performance discussions.
- Produce market‑facing documents and manage KPIs, SLAs and supplier risk.
- Collaborate with regional procurement specialists to ensure coordinated procurement and supplier relationship management.
Requirements
category management
cips level4
sap
excel
stakeholder management
strategic
- Proven procurement/category management experience on high‑value projects with portfolios exceeding £10 million.
- Strategic mindset with full lifecycle delivery, beyond transactional buying.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing abilities.
- Strong market intelligence and commercial awareness.
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
- Knowledge of UCR 2016, PCR 2015 and/or the Procurement Act 2023.
- CIPS Level 4 (or willingness to work towards it).
- Procurement project experience, preferably in a regulated environment.
- Familiarity with contract forms and ERP/P2P systems (SAP ideal).
Benefits
ABP offers a wide range of roles across the UK within a culture that values diversity, talent development, internal mobility and places safety as the top priority. Employees can make a difference in a critical trade business, work in an innovative and growing environment, and thrive in an inclusive setting where they are respected. We provide a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and support for training, personal development and further education, backed by dedicated management and leadership.
The position includes a competitive salary, a contributory pension from day one (3 % employee contribution with a 5 % company match up to 18 %), private healthcare, an employee assistance programme and a range of retailer discounts. ABP fosters an inclusive work environment and offers a robust training academy for continuous skill development. All candidates are subject to random substance‑abuse screening, a pre‑employment medical, and baseline security checks, and we are an equal‑opportunity employer.
Training + Development
Interview process
Visa Sponsorship
Security clearance
- random substance‑abuse screening with zero‑tolerance policy
- mandatory medical examination before start
- pre‑employment security check to baseline personnel security standard (bpss)
Overview
25% of UK Trade
Port Volume
Handles a significant portion of the nation's trade, highlighting its importance in the UK economy.
21 UK Ports
Network Reach
Operates a widespread network of ports, connecting industries and global markets.
Founded in 1962
Company Heritage
Established as a key player in port operations and infrastructure development.
- supports diverse sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, and retail.
- supports critical industries, including automotive, energy, and chemicals, providing them with vital access to global trade routes.
- specializes in a wide range of services, from general cargo handling to sophisticated logistics and marine solutions.
- handles everything from bulk goods to containerized cargo, playing a key role in the UK's supply chain.
- known for its innovative approach to port management, continuously investing in infrastructure.
- focuses on seamless connectivity between land, sea, and rail, ensuring efficient and reliable trade flows.
- operates the busiest port complex in the UK at the Port of Southampton, a hub for cruise ships and automotive logistics.
Culture + Values
- Safety first: We prioritise the safety and well-being of everyone who works with us.
- Integrity: We act with honesty, transparency, and accountability in everything we do.
- Collaboration: We believe in working together to deliver results that benefit all stakeholders.
- Customer Focus: We aim to exceed the expectations of our customers by delivering value through operational excellence.
- Sustainability: We are committed to being a responsible business, ensuring long-term environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
Environment + Sustainability
2040
Net Zero Target
Achieving net zero carbon emissions by a specific year.
- Energy Efficiency: Investments are made in renewable energy sources and energy-efficient technologies across ports.
- Green Port Growth: Ongoing efforts to reduce emissions and improve environmental performance, including the development of green infrastructure.
- Sustainable Infrastructure: Focus on reducing environmental impact through better design and operation of port facilities.
- Biodiversity Protection: Active programs to protect and enhance local biodiversity and ecosystem services around ports.
Inclusion & Diversity
- Gender Equality: Focused on gender balance and better representation of women in leadership roles.
- Inclusive Hiring Practices: Committed to inclusive recruitment processes to ensure a diverse workforce.
- Employee Resource Groups: Support for networks promoting diversity and inclusion across the workforce.