Explore and Apply for Category Manager jobs in Cardiff, United Kingdom

Your new company

We're partnering with an innovative manufacturing business in Plymouth to recruit multiple Category Leads as part of their evolving and expanding Procurement function. As the team enters a new phase of growth and maturity, this is a unique greenfield opportunity to take ownership of category management and shape strategy from the ground up.

Your new role

Reporting directly to the Head of Category Management, you'll oversee an annual spend of £30–50M across various direct commodities, potentially including electrics, metals, fluids, consumables, and more.

You'll aim to deliver strategic value through the execution of category plans, end-to-end procurement processes, and proactive supplier management.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Manage a set of direct commodities with an annual spend up to £50m
• Design and deliver category strategy within your commodities and presenting this back to your stakeholder groups
• Work closely with the wider Procurement team and Head of Category Management to ensure an aligned approach to sourcing and category activities
• Sourcing new domestic and international suppliers through market engagement, RFPs & RFQs
• Negotiating strategic, large scale contracts to achieve significant annual cost savings
• Managing supplier relationships by building and developing strong relationships, setting up KPIs, scorecards and business reviews
• Work closely with internal stakeholders such as Engineering, Supply Chain & Production

What you'll need to succeed:

• Proven experience in category management (direct or indirect), ideally within a manufacturing or engineering environment
• Strong commercial acumen and a track record in cost optimisation
• Confident communicator with the ability to negotiate and influence suppliers and stakeholders
• Strong analytical skills and comfort handling complex category data
• Proficiency in ERP systems, S2P software, and the Microsoft Office Suite
• CIPS qualification is desirable but not essential

What you'll get in return

• A salary between £45,000 - £55,000
• On-site working (Mon-Thur 7:30 - 16:30, Fri 7:30 - 12:30)
• Competitive overall benefits package
• Learning, development and career support opportunities

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.