At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global procurement strategies for cutting-edge manufacturing equipment and optimise supplier relationships.
- Company: Join a leading global manufacturer known for innovation and engineering excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, international travel opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of manufacturing.
- Other info: Exciting growth phase with opportunities for career advancement and international collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global sourcing strategies and drive innovation in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in procurement with a focus on Capital Equipment and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Global Category Manager
Cheshire, UK
Permanent, Full-Time
We are recruiting on behalf of a leading global manufacturer based in Cheshire, renowned for their innovation, engineering excellence, and investment in world-class production technologies.
They are seeking a Global Category Manager with deep procurement expertise across Capital Equipment, OEM Spare Parts, and Auxiliary Equipment. This high‑impact, strategic role will support both global growth initiatives and the optimisation of the company's existing manufacturing footprint across Europe and the US.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the end-to-end procurement strategy for Capital Equipment, OEM Spares, and Auxiliary Equipment in support of Greenfield developments and capacity expansion
- Deliver full Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) models to drive long-term value and present commercial data to stakeholders
- Manage Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) for your categories, ensuring supplier performance and innovation evolve with business and customer needs
- Oversee contract management, ensuring global suppliers meet SLAs and contracts reflect ongoing business priorities
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, and Operations to ensure technical and commercial alignment
- Evaluate machinery and suppliers from a mechanical/engineering perspective to ensure equipment quality and long-term operational efficiency
- Identify and mitigate risks across the capital equipment and spare parts supply chain, including quality, delivery, and cost issues
- Track and report on supplier KPIs and SLA performance, providing updates and recommendations to stakeholders
- Contribute to projects supporting business expansion and efficiency improvements across existing global operations
Key Skills and Experience
- Proven experience in direct category procurement of Capital Equipment, OEM Spares, and Auxiliary Equipment within a manufacturing or industrial setting
- Strong knowledge of process equipment and mechanical systems used in manufacturing environments
- Comfortable reviewing technical specifications and evaluating equipment quality with suppliers
- Familiarity with TCO modelling, supplier performance management, and cost optimisation strategies
- Strong stakeholder engagement and experience working with global supply partners
- Skilled in contract negotiation, supplier development, and risk management
Objectives
- Develop and implement global sourcing strategies that deliver measurable value
- Optimise the global supplier base and build high-performing, long-term partnerships
- Drive innovation and cost savings through lifecycle insight and proactive procurement planning
- Support international growth and help optimise the company's existing production footprint
Candidate Profile
- University degree in Procurement, Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related field
- CIPS or equivalent qualification preferred
- 5+ years' experience in procurement or category management within a manufacturing environment
- Experience sourcing from Europe and/or global emerging markets
- Willing to travel internationally (approximately once per month)
- This is an opportunity to play a leading role in global sourcing strategy for high-value production equipment. You will directly influence operations, supplier performance, and the long-term success of a world-class manufacturer during an exciting phase of growth and transformation
Category Manager in Ellesmere Port employer: Frank Wills Recruitment
As a leading global manufacturer based in Cheshire, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that champions innovation and engineering excellence. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training programmes and opportunities for international collaboration, ensuring that our team members thrive in their careers while contributing to impactful global projects. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking organisation that values your expertise and offers a supportive environment for professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Ellesmere Port
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. We want you to be able to discuss how your skills in procurement and supplier management can directly benefit their operations. Show them you mean business!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You should be able to clearly articulate your experience with Capital Equipment and OEM Spares. We recommend rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Ellesmere Port
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Global Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in procurement, especially with Capital Equipment and OEM Spares. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your achievements in procurement and how they relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Knowledge:Since this role involves evaluating machinery and suppliers, don’t forget to showcase your technical knowledge. Mention any relevant experience with mechanical systems or TCO modelling that demonstrates your expertise.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Frank Wills Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Capital Equipment, OEM Spare Parts, and Auxiliary Equipment. Understand the latest trends in procurement and be ready to discuss how you can apply TCO models to drive value. This will show that you're not just familiar with the basics but are genuinely invested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed supplier relationships or optimised procurement strategies. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and how it aligns with the company's needs.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves cross-functional collaboration, think about how you can effectively communicate with different teams like Engineering and Quality. Be ready to discuss how you've worked with various stakeholders in the past and how you can ensure alignment between technical and commercial aspects.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare insightful questions that show your interest in the company’s growth initiatives and challenges. For example, ask about their current supplier performance metrics or how they envision the future of their procurement strategy. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
