Global Category Manager - Electronics

IMI plc

We are a global specialist engineering company that creates breakthrough solutions. We are curious and like to solve problems, partnering with our customers to solve the demands of today and prepare for the challenges of tomorrow. We embrace innovation and care about outcomes that are good for business, everyday life and making a better world – creating lasting impact for everyone.

We design, build and service highly engineered products in fluid and motion control applications. We focus on five market sectors: Industrial Automation, Process Automation, Climate Control, Life Science,  and Transport.

Our partnership approach breaks through problems and reduces complexity. We don’t invent in isolation – we collaborate with our customers. We listen closely and we think differently, creating space for diverse minds to innovate. We are working together to make businesses safer, more sustainable and more productive.

Role Overview
To support the continued growth and innovation of IMI’s Life Science sector, we are seeking a Global Category Manager – Electronics to lead the electronics sourcing strategy across the Life Science business.

The role is responsible for defining and executing the category strategy for electronic components and assemblies supporting four Life Science manufacturing sites, operating within a global supply base. Working closely with engineering, R&D, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams, the Global Category Manager ensures competitive cost, strong supplier performance, and supply continuity across the factories in scope.

Reporting into the Life Science Procurement Director, this role contributes directly to product development, operational performance, and risk management through effective category and supplier strategies.

Work Environment:
Hybrid or Remote - Given the global scope of this role and the need to collaborate with suppliers and IMI offices across different time zones, the successful candidate must be able to work the hours necessary to complete the responsibilities of the role. Flexibility is essential, and working hours may vary to meet the demands of international business and travel requirements.

Please note: Approximately 20% of your time in this role will involve travelling to suppliers and local IMI offices (Worthing, Birmingham).

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Execution 

• Define and implement the electronics category strategy for the Life Science sector, covering components and assemblies such as PCBs, sensors, connectors, and embedded systems.


• Conduct ongoing supply market analysis to identify cost drivers, technology trends, capacity constraints, and risks.


• Translate category strategies into clear sourcing plans aligned with Life Science business priorities.
  Supplier Management & Performance


• Identify, qualify, and manage strategic suppliers in line with Life Science requirements.


• Lead supplier negotiations, performance reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.


• Drive supplier development activities to improve quality, delivery, cost competitiveness, and technical capability.

Cross Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with R&D, engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to align sourcing decisions with technical and regulatory requirements.


• Support early product development through supplier involvement, cost modelling, and standardization initiatives.


• Act as the primary point of contact for electronics sourcing within the Life Science business.

Cost & Risk Management

• Deliver cost improvement through strategic sourcing, value engineering, and total cost of ownership analysis.


• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks related to capacity, single sourcing, material volatility, and geopolitical exposure.


• Support the development of resilient sourcing strategies, including dual sourcing and long term supplier agreements.

Contracting & Compliance

• Lead contract negotiations and manage supplier agreements in line with IMI procurement policies.


• Ensure compliance with applicable quality, regulatory, and sustainability requirements (e.g. RoHS, REACH).


• Maintain alignment with IMI governance standards and procurement processes.

Process & Data

• Use ERP and procurement tools to manage spend visibility, supplier performance, and sourcing decisions.


• Contribute to the continuous improvement of category management practices within Life Science procurement.


• Provide clear reporting on category performance, risks, and opportunities.

Critical Competencies for Success

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or a related discipline (Master’s preferred).


• Typically 6–8+ years of experience in procurement or category management, ideally within electronics, high tech, or industrial manufacturing.


• Solid understanding of electronics manufacturing processes, supply markets, and cost structures.


• Proven experience in supplier negotiation and performance management.


• Ability to work effectively in a global, cross functional environment.


• Experience with ERP systems and procurement tools.


• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.


• Fluent in English; additional languages are an advantage.

What we offer
Pay range: £70,000 annually plus Bonus -Within this range, individual pay is determined based on skills, experience, and qualifications relative to the job requirements.

Health & Safety
The physical demands described within the Key Duties & Responsibilities section of this job description are required to perform the essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.  Please contact your local HR representative to discuss the specific Work Conditions and Physical Requirements of this role.  

Health, Safety, and Environmental Duties – At IMI we are all personally committed to protecting our people, minimizing our impact to the environment, the communities we operate in and our company. All members of our workforce have the duty to ensure the health, safety and welfare of themselves, others, and the environment. Every employee is expected to follow all HSE operating procedures, also to challenge any observed behaviours or unsafe acts.

Code of Ethics
IMI expects the highest ethical standards in all business dealings - with customers, suppliers, advisors, employees, and authorities - in line with our Code of Conduct.

IMI may amend this job description in whole or part at any time.