Global Category Manager in Uttoxeter

We are looking for an experienced and commercially driven Global Category Manager to lead the strategic management of our Plastics category.

This is a high‑profile role that sits at the heart of the global supply chain function, where you will develop and execute category strategies that support business growth, deliver cost savings and ensure a resilient, high‑performing supplier base. Working across a global, matrix organisation, you will collaborate with stakeholders from Purchasing, Engineering, Operations, Finance and Supply Chain to drive value, support new product introduction and deliver long‑term commercial success.

As a leader within the procurement function, you will be responsible for developing supplier relationships, managing commercial risk, leading a team and influencing business decisions that support JCB's strategic objectives.

What does this role involve day to day?

• Developing and delivering category and supplier strategies that drive cost savings, performance improvements and business value.
• Leading and developing a category team, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Managing supplier relationships, contracts and performance across quality, delivery, cost and risk.
• Leading commercial negotiations and identifying opportunities to optimise spend and improve value.
• Collaborating with Engineering, Operations, Finance and Supply Chain teams to support business and new product requirements.
• Managing category budgets, forecasting and reporting to support effective decision‑making.
• Monitoring market trends and supplier capabilities to inform sourcing strategies.
• Influencing stakeholders across the business to drive strategic initiatives and continuous improvement.

This will be suited to you if…

• You have significant procurement or category management experience within a manufacturing environment.
• You have a strong understanding of strategic sourcing, supplier management and commercial negotiations.
• You are a confident leader with experience managing teams and influencing stakeholders across a matrix organisation.
• You have strong financial and analytical skills, including budgeting, reporting and cost management.
• You have experience working with Engineering or Design teams and supporting new product introduction activities.
• You are an excellent communicator with strong stakeholder management and relationship‑building skills.
• You are commercially focused, results‑driven and comfortable leading change and driving improvements.
• You are degree educated, ideally with a Business or Engineering background, and preferably CIPS qualified.
• You have experience working in a global environment and are willing to travel when required.

What’s in it for you?

This is your chance to join a company that values expertise not only in rewards but also in real employee care. At JCB you don’t just get a competitive salary, 33 days’ holiday and access to our company pension—you can also use our onsite gym, in‑house doctor and dentist. We have an ULEV car scheme available for our employees too. Then there’s the JCB Rewards Hub, which gives you discounts with high street retailers. Feel like biking to work? There’s our Cycle to Work Scheme.

Diversity & Inclusion

We value diversity and welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We’re committed to ensuring our recruitment process is fair and inclusive. If you face any accessibility challenges with your online application and require additional support, you have the option of speaking to a member of our Recruitment Team who can support you to complete an application in an alternative format.

Recruitment Agencies

JCB does not accept any speculative approaches to present candidates for advertised vacancies.