Overview
As Category Manager - Indirect at Cambridge Aerospace, you will establish and lead a structured approach to indirect procurement across a fast-growing defence technology business. Reporting to the Director of Supply Chain & Procurement, you will take ownership of category strategy, stakeholder alignment, sourcing, negotiation and supplier performance across key non-production spend areas. You will manage and develop the Senior Buyer - Indirect, balancing commercial value, pace and proportionate governance while helping the business scale with resilient, compliant and fit-for-purpose supplier arrangements. The role supports multiple company sites, and some business travel will be required.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement category strategies for indirect spend, including IT, software, SaaS, cloud, cybersecurity, professional services, contractors, recruitment, facilities, marketing, training, travel, legal, finance, utilities, capital equipment, leases, logistics and other business services.
- Build a clear view of current and forecast spend, supplier landscape, demand pipelines, contract commitments, renewal dates and commercial risks.
- Partner with functional leaders to challenge requirements, consolidate demand, define sourcing plans and bring Procurement into decisions before supplier commitments are made.
- Lead complex and high-value sourcing activity from market engagement and competitive tendering through evaluation, negotiation, recommendation and contract award.
- Negotiate pricing, service levels, liability, data protection, security, intellectual property, termination, renewal and other key commercial terms, coordinating specialist review where required.
- Own supplier relationship and performance management for strategic indirect suppliers, including business reviews, improvement plans, risk mitigation and continuity planning.
- Identify and deliver measurable savings, cost avoidance, demand-management and process-improvement opportunities without compromising operational effectiveness.
- Ensure sourcing activity follows the company's procurement policy, requisition, approval, supplier onboarding and contract-governance requirements.
- Coach and provide day-to-day direction to the Senior Buyer - Indirect, including allocation of sourcing activity, priorities, stakeholder engagement and development.
- Provide concise reporting on category plans, sourcing pipeline, savings, supplier risk, contract coverage and upcoming renewals to the Director of Supply Chain & Procurement and key stakeholders.
Requirements
- Significant indirect procurement or category-management experience in a fast-paced, technology, engineering, manufacturing or regulated environment.
- Proven ownership of multiple indirect categories and delivery of end-to-end sourcing projects with tangible commercial outcomes.
- Strong negotiation and commercial-contracting capability, with the judgement to identify when Legal, Finance, IT, Security, Export Compliance or other specialist input is required.
- Ability to translate fragmented stakeholder demand into practical category strategies and sourcing priorities.
- Strong supplier-management, analytical and stakeholder-influencing skills, including confidence constructively challenging senior stakeholders.
- Commercially rigorous, organised and comfortable working with incomplete data while improving visibility and control over time.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills, with a practical and delivery-focused approach.
Preferred Experience
- Experience in defence, aerospace, advanced engineering or another security-conscious business.
- Experience sourcing SaaS, cloud, cybersecurity, professional services, facilities or contingent labour.
- Experience implementing category plans, contract registers, preferred supplier frameworks or procurement reporting in a scaling organisation.
- CIPS qualification or equivalent professional procurement experience.
- Experience coaching or supervising buyers and developing procurement capability.
What We Offer
- Competitive compensation and stock options
- Private Medical & Dental
- Cycle to work scheme
- Lunchtime catering on site
About Us
The mission of Cambridge Aerospace is to eliminate the risk of existential war in Europe. That risk comes from the air - low-cost drones and cruise missiles now manufactured in colossal volumes by our adversaries, ballistic missiles capable of ending the world as we know it, and a new generation of hypersonic weapons that evade every existing defence.
We are building low-cost interceptors that defeat these threats, and the surveillance systems to detect and target them - at a cost taxpayers can afford, at the pace the threat demands, and with sovereign supply chains that assure delivery.
We have immense backing from the world's best venture funds. We are one of the fastest growing defence technology companies in history. And we are hiring the best people to prosecute the mission.
If you are in the top 1%, willing to work harder than you ever have, build capability better than anyone else, and contribute to the defining challenge of our time, now is the time to join us.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you are excited about this role but do not meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply.
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Category Manager - Indirect employer: Cambridge Aerospace
Cambridge Aerospace is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the aerospace and defence sectors. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide ample opportunities for growth through training and mentorship, ensuring that our team members can advance their careers while contributing to cutting-edge projects. Located in the vibrant city of Cambridge, employees enjoy a rich cultural scene and access to a network of industry leaders, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
