Category Manager

Category Manager (Hybrid, 2 days per week in the office)

Lithia UK (based at Jaguar Land Rover Reading)

Salary up to £45,000, car allowance, pension, life assurance, 33 days holiday (including bank holidays), single PMI, exclusive company discounts on used car purchases, leasing deals and aftersales service.

As Category Manager at Lithia UK, you will take on a pivotal role within our procurement team, overseeing the management of key categories including Finance, Office Services, and Sales Services.. Your expertise will be essential in navigating the complexities of these diverse categories, where you will develop and implement robust category strategies that align with the overall business objectives.

Your Journey as a Category Manager:

• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders to fully understand their business needs, crafting comprehensive category plans that align with and support these objectives
• Lead and manage the entire procurement lifecycle, working in partnership with internal teams to ensure seamless and effective procurement outcomes
• Champion the adherence to our procurement policy across the organization, actively promoting its importance and ensuring compliance to drive consistency and best practices
• Provide expert commercial guidance across departments, ensuring that all procurement activities deliver maximum value and contribute to the overall success of the business
• Forge and nurture strong relationships with key suppliers, staying at the forefront of industry innovations and leveraging these connections to benefit our operations
• Conduct thorough reviews and negotiations of contracts, with a keen focus on key provisions, including GDPR compliance, to safeguard the business and optimise terms
• Monitor and track the progress of procurement projects, delivering clear insights into the benefits and value added to the business through our strategic initiatives

Are You Ready to Embrace the Challenge? We’re looking for someone who has:

• Experience as a Category Manager or in a similar role is essential
• Expertise in negotiation, with a proven track record of securing favourable terms and conditions
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to clearly articulate ideas, influence stakeholders at all levels, and build strong relationships both internally and externally
• Strong attention to detail, planning and organisation skills with the ability to prioritise their workload

 Why Lithia UK?

• Enjoy 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays), giving you more time to relax, recharge, and do what you love
• Celebrate your special day with an extra day off on your birthday
• Our industry-leading Family Leave Policies ensure you’re supported when it matters most
• Take a paid day to volunteer and give back to a cause close to your heart
• We believe in recognising dedication and loyalty, that’s why we celebrate long service milestone anniversaries
• Unlock your potential with tailored training and endless career growth opportunities
• Commute for less with our cycle to work scheme 
• Access high street discounts to make the everyday a little more rewarding
• Know someone perfect for Lithia UK? Earn rewards through our internal referral scheme

At Lithia UK, our growth is powered by our people:

As one of the largest automotive retailers globally, we’re passionate about transforming the future of personal transportation and setting new standards for exceptional customer experiences. Our values—Earn Customers for Life, Improve Constantly, Take Personal Ownership, and Have Fun!—fuel everything we do. Join us, and you’ll be part of a team that embraces innovation, champions personal growth, and celebrates success together. If you're ready to make an impact in an environment that empowers you to drive change, we’d love to have you with us on this journey.