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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing strategies and manage supplier performance for key categories.
- Company: Woods Air Movement is a leader in industrial machinery manufacturing.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 25 days holiday, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on product management and sourcing.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or category management is essential; strong negotiation skills are a must.
- Other info: This is a 9-month interim role based in Colchester.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Main Purpose Of Role
Reporting directly to the Purchasing Leader, the Category Manager will take full ownership of key direct and indirect spend categories and be responsible for end-to-end sourcing activity, supplier performance, and delivering cost, quality, and service improvements. This interim role is critical in supporting continuity within the sourcing function, working in close collaboration with Engineering, Quality, Operational Purchasing and wider Supply Chain teams. The role will also support Product Management with New Product Introduction (NPI) projects by ensuring suppliers are commercially and operationally aligned to programme needs.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
- Lead the strategic management of allocated spend categories, developing sourcing strategies and executing procurement plans aligned to business objectives.
- Apply total cost of ownership (TCO) principles to all sourcing decisions, balancing cost, quality, lead time, and lifecycle support to ensure long-term value.
- Drive supplier selection, negotiations, and contract execution to support quality, cost, and delivery goals.
- Maintain supplier performance metrics and lead regular business reviews with strategic vendors.
- Work closely with engineering and quality teams to ensure new supplier introduction, onboarding, and qualification is completed effectively.
- Provide commercial support to Product Management in the successful launch of new products, ensuring alignment of supply capability and commercial terms with project timelines.
- Support the Purchasing Leader and wider team by providing market intelligence and supplier insights to inform tactical and operational decisions.
- Identify and deliver cost-saving initiatives and risk mitigation actions across assigned categories.
- Proactively manage category spend visibility, reporting regularly on progress, risks, and opportunities.
- Ensure compliance with internal procurement policies and ERP processes.
- Support Operational Buyers with escalated supplier performance or commercial issues where relevant.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in the ERP system, including contracts, pricing, and supplier terms.
Key Deliverables
- On-time execution of category strategies and sourcing actions.
- Realisation of agreed cost savings and total cost optimisation.
- Supplier compliance with quality, cost, and delivery KPIs.
- Effective sourcing support for NPI activities led by Product Management.
- Clear reporting of sourcing risks, mitigations, and contract status.
Requirements
- Demonstrable experience in procurement or category management within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience managing categories such as sheet metal, aluminium castings, fixings and/or indirect procurement (e.g., MRO, VMI, tooling, facilities).
- Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills with a history of delivering cost savings.
- Proficiency in supplier selection, performance management, and contract negotiation.
- Understanding and practical application of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) principles.
- Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to support cross-functional projects such as NPI.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and make sound commercial decisions.
- Proficient in the use of ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
- Able to work independently while maintaining alignment with wider supply chain and business objectives.
- Professional, resilient, and able to work to tight deadlines under pressure.
In return we offer the following package:
- 25 days Holiday (+ bank holidays)
- Hybrid Working
- Christmas Shutdown
- 4% Pension Scheme
- Life Assurance Scheme
- Company Sick Pay Scheme
- Enhanced Family Friendly Benefits
- Employee Discount Scheme
- Holiday Purchase Scheme
- Free Tea & Coffee
- Early finish on Fridays
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Woods Sports & Social Club (voluntary option to take part in events/activities for an additional small charge)
- Long Service Awards
- Free Car Parking
- Employee Assistance Programme & Access to Mental Health Support
- Learning and Development Opportunities
Equal Opportunities: We are an equal opportunities employer, recruiting individuals on their suitability for the role, qualifications and experience. We welcome applications from all communities and backgrounds.
Due to limits on sponsorship allocations, we are not currently able to offer sponsorship for this position. Therefore, applicants who do not have the right to work in the UK, and/or require visa sponsorship to continue working in the UK, cannot be considered for this role.
No recruitment agencies please.
Category Manager employer: Woods Air Movement Limited
Contact Detail:
Woods Air Movement Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific categories mentioned in the job description, such as sheet metal and aluminium castings. Understanding these materials will help you speak confidently about your experience and how it aligns with the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your negotiation skills and be prepared to discuss past experiences where you've successfully driven cost savings. Highlighting these achievements during interviews can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the procurement and category management fields. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals that enhance your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your analytical mindset by preparing examples of how you've used data to make informed decisions in previous roles. This will show your ability to apply TCO principles effectively, which is crucial for this position.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement or category management, especially within a manufacturing environment. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in supplier selection, performance management, and contract negotiation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that addresses the key responsibilities of the Category Manager role. Emphasise your commercial acumen, negotiation skills, and any experience with Total Cost of Ownership principles. Show how your background aligns with the company's needs.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your analytical mindset and ability to interpret data. Mention your proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, as these are crucial for the role.
Showcase Cross-Functional Collaboration: Demonstrate your experience working with cross-functional teams, such as Engineering and Quality. Provide examples of how you've successfully supported projects like New Product Introductions (NPI) to show your ability to work collaboratively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Woods Air Movement Limited
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Category Manager. Familiarise yourself with key terms like Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and supplier performance metrics, as these will likely come up during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in procurement or category management, especially within a manufacturing environment. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed categories or delivered cost savings.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Be ready to talk about your negotiation skills and how you've applied them in past roles. Discuss any successful contract negotiations or supplier selections that resulted in improved quality or cost efficiency.
✨Engage with Cross-Functional Teams
Since the role involves collaboration with various teams, prepare examples of how you've worked effectively with engineering, quality, or product management teams in the past. This will show your ability to support cross-functional projects like New Product Introductions.
