At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category strategy and supplier performance for innovative manufacturing solutions.
- Company: Market-leading international manufacturer with a reputation for engineering excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £60,000 plus a 10% bonus and growth opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on supply chain performance and product success.
- Qualifications: Experience in Category Management or Procurement within manufacturing is essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
Our client is a market-leading international manufacturer of specialist testing and measurement solutions used in safety-critical industries. Operating across the UK and North America, the business is part of a growing private equity-backed group with an excellent reputation for innovation, engineering excellence and global customer support.
Reporting to the Head of Supply Chain, the Category Manager will take ownership of category strategy, supplier performance, sourcing and New Product Introduction (NPI) activities across a diverse portfolio including electronics, PCBAs, plastics, metals, mechanical assemblies, packaging, power supplies, batteries and raw materials.
Key Responsibilities- Develop and execute category strategies aligned to business growth objectives.
- Lead supplier sourcing, tenders, negotiations, and commercial agreements.
- Drive supplier performance improvements across cost, quality, delivery and innovation.
- Support NPI projects, ensuring supplier readiness, tooling, capacity, and production ramp-up.
- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks through robust sourcing and continuity strategies.
- Deliver cost reduction initiatives and continuous improvement programmes.
- Manage supplier relationships and performance reviews with key strategic partners.
- Proven Category Management, Strategic Sourcing, or Procurement experience within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong commercial, negotiation and supplier management skills.
- Experience managing technical categories such as electronics, mechanical assemblies, plastics, metals or engineered components.
- Ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, operations and quality teams.
- Analytical and strategic mindset with a focus on delivering long-term value.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing international business where you can make a significant impact on supply chain performance, supplier development, and future product success.
Category Manager employer: Lean Executives Ltd.
Join a dynamic and innovative international manufacturer renowned for its engineering excellence and commitment to customer support. As a Category Manager, you will thrive in a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and development, offering competitive salaries and performance bonuses. With a focus on meaningful contributions to supply chain performance and product success, this role provides a unique opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking team in a thriving private equity-backed environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Lean Executives Ltd..
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Lean Executives Ltd.:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Lean Executives Ltd.. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Lean Executives Ltd..
How to prepare for a job interview at Lean Executives Ltd.
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Lean Executives Ltd.!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Lean Executives Ltd.. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Lean Executives Ltd.'s culture.
