At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in developing global sourcing strategies and managing supplier relationships.
- Company: Join Rolls-Royce, a leader in innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Generous leave, retirement savings, life assurance, and share ownership opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a transformative journey at a respected and inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while driving change.
- Qualifications: Degree or CIPS qualifications with experience in procurement and negotiations.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Full time Derby/Hybrid
Why join Rolls-Royce? At Rolls-Royce we are proud to be a business that has truly helped to shape the modern world and we are committed to always being a force for progress; powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere. By joining Rolls-Royce, you'll have the opportunity to work on world-class solutions, supported by a culture that champions inclusivity, creativity, and your professional growth.
Position Summary: As a Procurement Category Manager, you'll be part of a function that plays a critical role in our transformation and success. You'll lead a team of buyers, manage senior-level supplier relationships, and deliver integrated sourcing strategies that drive performance across Cost, Quality, and Delivery. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact in a role that blends strategic leadership with hands-on procurement excellence.
What you will be doing: In this role, you'll lead a team of buyers and take ownership of developing and deploying global commodity/category strategies. You'll manage strategic sourcing, commercial risk, and supplier performance while driving value, resilience, and competitive advantage. You'll also coach and mentor your team, helping to strengthen our overall sourcing capability. You'll blend leadership and hands-on commercial delivery, working closely with colleagues in Supplier Management Teams, Procurement, Engineering and Quality to turn opportunities into results. The role is ideal for someone who enjoys combining data-driven analysis and complex negotiations - all within a fast-moving, high-profile environment.
- Developing and maintaining integrated category strategies to ensure long-term supply chain resilience and value creation.
- Leading a team through complex negotiations and business cases, including cost modelling, contract drafting, and stakeholder alignment.
- Taking the lead in developing strong internal stakeholder relationships to enable strong collaboration across your sourcing.
- Negotiating and drafting contracts to support expansion programmes.
- Supporting Make v Buy strategy boards with the appropriate input regarding the external supplier landscape and financial analysis.
- Managing supplier relationships and performance, ensuring appropriate contractual coverage and mitigating commercial risk.
- Supporting supplier consolidation and cost-saving initiatives across critical supply chains which deliver E2E value.
Position qualifications: To be successful in this role, you'll bring strong commercial acumen and a strategic mindset. You'll thrive in a dynamic environment and enjoy solving complex problems. Specifically, you'll need:
- A degree (BA level) and/or CIPS qualifications.
- Experience in Direct and/or Indirect Procurement within a regulated or complex industry.
- A track record of leading negotiations at a senior level and delivering commercial value.
- Expertise in category strategy development, supplier management, and in-contract performance.
- Understanding of Total Cost of Acquisition / Product Cost Lifecycles and commercial levers.
- A passion for driving change and making a measurable difference.
Regional Benefits: Generous Annual Leave, Retirement Savings, Group Life Assurance provides for a lump sum benefit if you die whilst employed by Rolls-Royce, Group Income Protection provides an income in the event that you are unable to work due to illness or injury. Your Shares: Matched is a simple way to own Rolls-Royce shares and invest in our future, together. Buy one share, get one free!
Our vision is to ensure that the excellence and ingenuity that shaped our history continues into our future. Our multi-year transformation programme aims to turn Rolls-Royce into a high-performing, competitive, resilient and growing company. Join us, and it can be your future vision too.
Rolls-Royce are committed to being a respectful, inclusive, and non-discriminatory workplace where individuality is valued, diverse perspectives fuel innovation, and everyone can thrive.
Closing date for applications: 31st May 2026. As part of our selection process, candidates in certain locations may be asked to complete an online assessment, which can include cognitive and behavioural aptitude testing relevant to the role. If required, full instructions for the next steps will be provided.
Procurement Category Manager - Derby employer: Employer near you
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Employer near you Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Manager - Derby
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Rolls-Royce on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the company culture and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the role of Procurement Category Manager. We should practice articulating our achievements in strategic sourcing and supplier management.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your negotiation skills! Be ready to discuss past negotiations you've led and the value you brought to your previous employers. We want to demonstrate that we can drive performance across Cost, Quality, and Delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the Rolls-Royce team!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Category Manager - Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Procurement Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in strategic sourcing and supplier management, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant qualifications like CIPS.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about procurement and how your skills align with Rolls-Royce's mission. Be sure to mention your experience in leading negotiations and driving change.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your commercial acumen and strategic mindset. Use metrics where possible to show how you’ve delivered value in previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Employer near you
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially around category strategy development and supplier management. Be ready to discuss your experience with complex negotiations and how you've delivered commercial value in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Procurement Category Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully coached and mentored others, and how you've built strong internal stakeholder relationships. Highlight your ability to blend strategic leadership with hands-on delivery.
✨Prepare for Data-Driven Discussions
Since the role involves data-driven analysis, come equipped with examples of how you've used data to inform your decisions. Be ready to discuss cost modelling and financial analysis, as well as how you've managed supplier performance to mitigate risks.
✨Align with Rolls-Royce Values
Familiarise yourself with Rolls-Royce's commitment to inclusivity and innovation. Think about how your personal values align with theirs and be prepared to share how you can contribute to their vision of being a high-performing and resilient company.