Category Specialist

We’re the UK's largest ports operator with a network of 21 ports around Britain. We handle around one quarter of the UK's seaborne trade and contribute £7.5 billion to our economy every year.

It’s a story we’re proud of but it doesn’t end there. We’re transforming our business and embracing the future.

We offer a vast range of roles spanning the UK, all rooted in a culture that welcomes diversity, fosters talent, encourages internal movement and progression, and places safety as our number one priority.

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
• Lead end‑to‑end sourcing projects and manage procurement activity in line with policy
• Own the Procurement Plan and track future demand and market shifts
• Engage and develop suppliers through events and performance discussions
• Produce strong market‑facing documents and manage KPIs, SLAs, and supplier risks
• Work closely with Regional Procurement Specialists to deliver coordinated procurement and SRM

What You’ll Bring

• Strong procurement/category management experience up to high value projects with portfolio over £10m
• 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.

Additional Information:

When joining ABP you will find an environment that is both welcoming and challenging. We reward our employees well and offer a generous remuneration package, employer pension, private health insurance and a range of other benefits.

Please note that ABP undertake random screening for substance abuse and operate a zero-tolerance policy. A medical will be required before starting this position also.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their background, which helps us to provide a diverse and inclusive working environment.

As part of our recruitment process, all successful candidates will be subject to pre-employment screening to Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Please note your consent will be required and further information on this check can be found using the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels