Head of Category

Department: Supply Chain

Location: Derby, Manchester, Warrington

Employment type: Full-time

Salary: £80,000 – £100,000 (DOE)

Role: Head of Category

We are Rolls-Royce SMR and we’re doing something that’s never been done before. We’re revolutionising an industry. This is a once-in-a-career opportunity for those excited by such a challenge. This is more than just a job; this is a legacy.

Reporting to the Head of Procurement, we are recruiting for a Head of Category. This role is responsible for leading a team to deliver the procurement of specialised materials and services required in the build of a RR SMR powerplant using the principles of Category Management to source, manage, monitor and control a specific group of categories for the supply of direct materials and services for the RR SMR powerplant. It is responsible for leading a large team to deliver across the core procurement process.

In enacting this role the individual will build strong supplier relationships, demonstrate and acquire market knowledge, leverage data and analytics to drive innovation and risk mitigation in their categories and negotiate deals for the business globally. They will lead a category team in sourcing, negotiating, and managing contracts for the goods and services that support power plant build.

They must foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within their remit across functions and develop a high performing team that is integrated with the business. They will monitor and assess supplier performance and adherence to business cost, schedule and quality objectives in support of customer requirements. They will drive cost reduction initiatives and negotiate favourable terms to achieve significant cost savings while maintaining quality and service. They will ensure all procurement practices comply with legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements and are sustainable across the product lifecycle.

Key Results & Achievements

• Delivery on time and to cost of direct goods and services within their category for RR SMR fleet
• Demonstrate value for money and cost saving across the product lifecycle and fleet deployment
• A robust, collaborative and capable supply base that supports business objectives such as localisation
• Demonstrate compliance with legal, regulatory, ethical and sustainable requirements
• Implementation of all of the above

Key Selection Criteria

• Knowledge of complex category management and procurement and able to demonstrate how they have used these skills to drive good supply outcomes, value for money and support business outcomes.
• Proven track record in managing complex supply arrangements, contract management, and supplier relationship management. Able to demonstrate maintaining strong supplier relationships while ensuring compliance with organisational goals and budgets.
• A leader with strong negotiation skills, strategic thinking, and data led decision making.
• Construction or Manufacturing supply chain experience.
• Strategic impact and influence at senior levels inside and external to the organisation. High ethical standards and integrity in all procurement practices.

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Why Join Us?

You’ll be joining a forward-thinking organisation that values transparency, fairness, and innovation. We offer:

•    A flexible, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
•    Opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling business.
•    A culture that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is important to us, and as a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair, supportive, and continually improving recruitment practices that ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job. But we'll let you in on a secret: there's no such thing as a 'perfect' candidate. If you feel you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we would love to hear from you.

Also, if you are considering a career move or a sector-jump, please get in touch – we welcome applications from people with transferable skills.

Our Application Process

Due to the safety regulations within the nuclear industry, applicants will be required to participate in additional screening. These are:

•    Obtaining Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance
•    Satisfactory completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
•    Satisfactory completion of a basic financial probity check
 

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