At a Glance
- Tasks: Own high-value manufacturing opportunities and translate customer needs into clear scopes.
- Company: Join Geomiq, a forward-thinking company in the manufacturing sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, stocked kitchen, 23 days leave, and birthday off.
- Other info: Pet-friendly office with team events and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact by managing complex manufacturing requests and driving innovation.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in manufacturing or category management; strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
About the Opportunity
We are hiring a Commercial Category Manager, Manufacturing to own how Geomiq responds to complex, high‑value manufacturing requests from customers.
This role is not a traditional procurement or purchasing role; you will work across commercial and supply to assess customer requests, define deliverable options, and move high‑value opportunities from discovery through quote and purchase order.
You will support work across CNC machining, injection moulding, sheet metal, fabrication, and 3D printing, helping Geomiq translate customer requirements into clear scopes, cost inputs, production routes, risks, and delivery plans.
- Main Responsibilities
- High‑Value Deal Category Ownership
- Own high‑value manufacturing opportunities from discovery through purchase order
- Own the category view on how Geomiq can fulfil customer requirements
- Assess the best manufacturing route for complex, urgent, or margin‑sensitive work
- Ensure high‑value deals move forward with clear scope, cost, risk, and delivery confidence
- Customer Requirement & Scope Definition
- Translate customer requirements into clear manufacturing scopes and next steps
- Review key inputs including CAD, materials, tolerances, finishes, volumes, and quality requirements
- Identify missing or unclear information before quoting or production commitment
- Work with commercial teams to define what is viable, risky, or commercially attractive
- Category Cost, Risk & Delivery Assessment
- Assess cost, margin, quality, lead time, capacity, and delivery risk across each opportunity Challenge assumptions where customer requirements, cost inputs, or timelines are unclear
- Support pricing and negotiation with clear category, cost, and delivery insight
- Escalate blockers early with clear options, trade‑offs, and recommendations
- Process & Cross‑Functional Execution
- Work with Sales, Technical Sales, Quoting, Supply, Operations, and Quality to move deals forward
- Improve the process for turning customer requirements into quote‑ready scopes
- Keep scope, assumptions, risks, cost inputs, and next steps clear for internal teams
- Help Geomiq build a more disciplined process for winning and delivering high‑value work
Experience Required
- 5+ years in manufacturing, category management, procurement, sourcing, buying, or supplier management
- Background in manufacturing, engineering, industrial supply, or technical B2B environments
- Experience across CNC machining, sheet metal, fabrication, injection moulding, 3D printing, or precision manufacturing
- Comfortable reviewing customer requirements, technical inputs, cost drivers, and delivery risks
- Able to assess manufacturing route, commercial fit, margin risk, quality risk, and lead time confidence
- Strong communicator across sales, technical sales, quoting, supply, operations, and quality teams
- Highly organised, commercially sharp, and able to manage detail across multiple high‑value opportunities
- CIPS or a relevant procurement qualification is a plus, but not essential
Benefits
- Competitive salary that reflects your skills and the value you bring
- Stocked kitchen with snacks, fresh fruit, and drinks all day
- 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Birthday off
- Pet‑friendly office
- Team events with monthly team‑building activities
- Career growth through internal promotions and development
- Cycle to work scheme to save on commuting and reduce emissions
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Category Manager, Manufacturing employer: Geomiq
Geomiq is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant area of Hackney, London, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Tech Lead, you will not only have the opportunity to shape cutting-edge backend and data systems but also enjoy significant growth potential through mentorship and direct involvement with leadership. With a competitive compensation package and equity sharing, Geomiq is committed to rewarding your contributions while supporting your professional development in a fast-paced startup environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager, Manufacturing
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Geomiq, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager, Manufacturing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Geomiq specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Geomiq
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Geomiq, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Geomiq value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
