Full job descriptionA leading multi-site manufacturing business is seeking a Category Manager to lead category strategy across a portfolio of indirect spend, including capital expenditure, transport and packaging.

This is a strategic role focused on ensuring security of supply, cost competitiveness and strong contractual governance across multiple sites. The successful candidate will lead sourcing activity, manage key supplier relationships and work closely with stakeholders to deliver measurable procurement value.

With a particular focus on capital projects, logistics networks and packaging optimisation, the role will drive supplier performance, commercial discipline and risk mitigation across high-value and operationally critical spend areas.

Key responsibilities
-Develop and implement short, medium and long-term category strategies.
-Analyse market dynamics, cost drivers and supply risks to support sourcing decisions.
-Track commodity indices to inform pricing, negotiations and forward cost visibility.
-Lead commercial negotiations across pricing, payment terms and contractual protections.
-Manage contract lifecycles, including renewals and re-tendering activity.
-Develop strategic supplier relationships and drive performance across quality, cost and delivery.
-Identify and mitigate supply, financial and operational risks, including contingency planning.
-Act as the commercial lead across multiple sites, influencing stakeholders across --Operations, Finance, Engineering and leadership teams.
-Deliver against KPIs including cost savings, cost avoidance, payment term improvements, supplier performance and contract coverage.
-Support continuous improvement, standardisation and broader procurement transformation initiatives.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:
-Proven experience in category or commodity management within a manufacturing environment.
-Strong commercial negotiation and contract management expertise.
-Experience managing multi-site or regional spend portfolios.
-Exposure to complex supply chains and critical materials or services.
-Strong commercial acumen, analytical capability and negotiation skills.
-The ability to influence in a matrix organisation.
-Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
-Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems, with IFS experience beneficial.
-Understanding of manufacturing processes, cost structures and commercial frameworks.
-Willingness to travel across UK and international sites.
-A self-driven, results-focused approach.