Category Manager

Overview

In this Category Manager role, you own end-to-end category strategy for technical and supply chain services across the UK, including test solutions, outsourcing, and vendor-managed inventory. You lead a procurement team, drive timely contract execution, and partner with functions and suppliers to deliver value and governance across multiple sites. You will shape category plans, manage strategic supplier relationships, and ensure SAP alignment while delivering cost savings in a highly regulated environment. This is an opportunity to impact defence electronics procurement at scale within a global leader.

Pay / Benefits

• generous leave with up to 12 flexi-days
• pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution
• mental health support and financial advice
• access to 4,000+ online courses (Coursera, LinkedIn Learning)
• bonus scheme for management level and below
• private healthcare and flexible benefits up to 500 annually

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver category strategy across UK sites
• Lead and develop a procurement team
• Manage end-to-end sourcing, from supplier shortlisting to tender management and contract negotiations
• Foster cross-functional collaboration to identify opportunities
• Maintain strategic supplier relationships and conduct regular business reviews
• Support category framework development and governance compliance
• Ensure SAP alignment with implemented agreements
• Oversee cost-saving initiatives and complex price analysis
• Ensure governance, audits, and customer flowdown requirements are met

Key requirements

• Extensive procurement experience with category management
• Experience managing a team in a corporate environment
• Relevant business or engineering degree and/or equivalent experience
• Proven track record in managing complex tenders
• Understanding of Contract Terms & Conditions
• Experience in a highly regulated environment
• Proficient MS Office skills
• SAP user experience
• CIPS qualification preferred
• Security clearance suitable for BPSS/NSV considerations

• Cross-functional collaboration
• Strategic thinking
• Stakeholder influence
• SAP
• MS Office
• Tender management

…