Senior Category Manager

Our client is looking for a skilled and motivated procurement professional to manage key supplier relationships and deliver projects across defined categories. You'll help shape strategy, improve supplier performance, and deliver cost savings across the supply chain.

Roles and responsbilities -

• Lead supply chain and procurement projects, ensuring they're delivered on time and within budget.

• Develop and manage category strategies that support business goals.

• Identify and deliver cost savings and performance improvements.

• Oversee supplier onboarding and ongoing risk and capability reviews.

• Manage supplier contracts, ensuring they meet legal, ethical, and commercial standards.

• Monitor and improve supplier performance across cost, quality, delivery, and service.

• Use data and analysis to support decision-making and improvements.

• Build strong relationships with stakeholders and suppliers, including senior leaders.

• Support procurement work in wider business projects and bids.

• Contribute to supply chain improvement and transformation initiatives.

Ideal experience:

• Proven experience in procurement, supply chain, and category management.

• Degree-qualified (MBA preferred) and CIPS membership or equivalent.

• Familiarity with modern procurement tools (e.g., e-sourcing, supplier analysis, e-auctions).

• Strong planning, organisation, and project management skills.

• Experience negotiating high-value contracts (up to £30m).

• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and projects.

• Confident communicator with strong stakeholder management skills.

• A track record of delivering cost savings and added value.

• Background in large or regulated organisations, ideally FTSE 100 or blue-chip companies