Category Specialist

Why should you work for ABP?

• Have the chance to make a difference in a business critical to UK trade.
• Work within an exciting, innovative, growing business.
• You can thrive in an inclusive environment where every individual can be themselves and feel respected.
• Receive a competitive salary and benefits package.
• Get support for training, personal development, and further education.
• Benefit from support and engagement through dedicated management and leadership

We’re growing our Procurement function under a new Group Head of Procurement and are hiring a Category Specialist to help drive that change. This UK‑based role includes travel to ABP Ports, our Hull Procurement office, and Head Office in London.

As a Category Specialist, you’ll lead strategic category planning across corporate services, deliver high‑value sourcing, and manage suppliers throughout the full lifecycle. You’ll shape category strategies, unlock cost savings, and ensure we get the best from our supply chain.

What You’ll Do

• Build and deliver Category Strategies that drive value and savings

What You’ll Bring

• Strong procurement/category management experience (£10m or above)
• Strategic mindset with full lifecycle delivery—not just transactional buying
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills
• Strong market intelligence and commercial awareness
• Good IT skills (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Knowledge of UCR 2016, PCR 2015 and/or the Procurement Act 2023

Nice to Have

• CIPS Level 4 (or willingness to work towards it)
• Procurement project experience, ideally in a regulated environment
• Knowledge of contract forms and ERP/P2P systems (SAP ideal)

The role comes with a competitive salary, a contributory pension from day one (Starting at 3% with a 5% company match up to 18%), private healthcare, access to our Employee Assistance Program, a wide range of discounts/cash back with high street and online retailers. We offer an inclusive work environment with a very training strong academy that offers ongoing opportunities to develop your skills.

We offer a competitive salary, contributory pension from day one (Starting at 3% employee contribution with 5% company match), private healthcare, access to our Employee Assistance Program, wide range of discounts and cash back with high street and online retailers. We offer an inclusive work environment with an in-house training academy which offers ongoing opportunities to develop your skills.

abprecruitment@abports.co.uk