Category Specialist

Enhance your Career with TVS Supply Chain Solutions Purpose: We are recruiting a Category Specialist working for TVS as part of Team Leidos - a team of defence and logistics specialists supporting a major transformation contract for the UK Ministry of Defence. The aim of the contract is to deliver a Cost Base Reduction (CBR) committed to the Authority through the development of a cost‑effective, commercially‑driven supply base, while meeting the requirements for governance and availability. The role will be based at Emersons Green, Bristol, as part of a vibrant and dynamic team committed to transforming the way the MOD works. We work on a hybrid model – two days in the Bristol office and three days working from home each week. Job Responsibilities Support the Category Manager to capture and analyse data on the existing supply chain, commercial markets, and potential new entrants. Assist in the creation and maintenance of strategy plans, working with all stakeholders to deliver CBR and ensure availability of requirements. Collate all documentation developed by Commodity, Category, and Acquisition & Contracts Management that supports the tendering of Category requirements. Participate in routine cross‑functional efforts within Commodity Support Services (CSS). Collaborate with stakeholders for data gathering and analysis to update Category Managers. Prepare document packs that consolidate all information for a specific category so the strategy can be enacted and tendered by Acquisition and Contract Management. Conduct basic supplier assessments to ensure proposed suppliers are sound in commercial and financial standing. Update the CBR tracker. Identify suppliers with the best capability to satisfy customer requirements. Assist Category Managers in collaborating with suppliers through direct engagement to clearly communicate customer requirements, understand supplier constraints, secure the best possible results, and ensure customer satisfaction. Qualifications and Skills Professional and ethical approach. Proven ability to persuade, influence, and negotiate with internal and external stakeholders. Excellent communicator at all levels. Proficient in MS Office, PowerPoint and Excel. Ability to manage a dynamic workload and prioritise activities to achieve business objectives. Strong time‑management skills. Previous experience in a relevant Purchasing / Supply Chain environment desirable but not essential. Understanding of Supply Chain Management and Procurement, including best‑practice purchasing and sourcing tools and techniques desirable but not essential. In return for your hard work, we offer excellent career progression opportunities and a professional environment where you can acquire, use, and continue developing your skills. Benefits Package Competitive salary Pension scheme with up to 6% employer‑matched contributions Life assurance 25 days holiday + 8 statutory bank holidays (of which 5 can be taken flexibly throughout the year) Holiday buy‑back scheme (5 additional days available) Established hybrid working structure Enhanced maternity and paternity leave Employee Assistance Programme supporting wellness with immediate access for you and your family to virtual GP consultations and second opinions, mental health support and counselling, online physiotherapy, access to CONNECTPlus long‑term health condition support, wellbeing and healthy living support. Cycle to work scheme Professional membership and study sponsorship Pass scheme (£100 per year to undertake training of your choice) Quarterly employee recognition awards Employee referral scheme with financial reward Benefits hub with employee retail discounts Discounted eye test vouchers Early finish Fridays Security Clearance Requirement Candidates must be eligible to undergo Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance. This process includes verification of identity, right to work in the UK, employment history, and a basic criminal records check for unspent convictions. Candidates must have resided in the UK for 3 years to meet BPSS eligibility requirements. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and a forces‑friendly employer, having signed the Armed Forces covenant. #J-18808-Ljbffr