At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and category management in a fast-paced aerospace environment.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diversity and innovation.
- Why this job: Make an impact in procurement while developing your career in a dynamic industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Salary Range: 60,000 - 80,000
Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.
Your Impact
We are seeking a commercially driven Procurement Category Manager to lead the strategic sourcing and category management of complex spend areas, mainly related to manpower, engineering and logistics services. You will combine strong supplier management and negotiation capabilities with proven people leadership experience and the ability to operate effectively within fast-paced aerospace engineering environment. This role is responsible for delivering value through strategic procurement initiatives, supplier performance management, cost optimisation, risk mitigation, and stakeholder engagement across Leonardo UK.
What you will do
- Develop and implement procurement strategies/plan for complex indirect and operational spend areas, including but not limited to:
- Manpower and contingent labour
- Freight, Import/Export and Logistics services
- Professional Services
- Lead end-to-end sourcing activities including:
- RFQs/RFPs
- Supplier evaluation and selection
- Contract negotiation
- Commercial management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders across operations, engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and finance functions.
- Manage strategic supplier relationships to ensure:
- Service excellence
- Cost competitiveness and Continuous improvement
- Contract compliance and governance
- Identify and deliver industrial cost-savings and value-creation opportunities while maintaining operational continuity and quality standards
- Lead supplier performance reviews using KPIs and contractual service level agreements
- Support procurement governance, compliance, and risk management activities
- Potentially manage and develop procurement team members (direct reports), providing coaching, mentoring, and performance management
- Drive procurement best practices and continuous improvement initiatives across the function
- Ensure procurement activities align with company policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards
What you will bring
- Experience in a Procurement Category Manager or Senior Buyer role within complex operational environments.
- Significant experience managing challenging categories/results including but not limited to:
- Manpower and contingent labour
- Freight, Import/Export and Logistics services
- Professional Services
- Demonstrated experience of supplier negotiation and contract management involving high-value or strategically important suppliers
- Previous people management or team leadership experience
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels
- Excellent commercial acumen and analytical capability
- Experience working within aerospace, engineering, manufacturing, or similarly regulated industries is highly desirable
- Strong understanding of procurement processes, category management methodologies, and supplier performance management
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
It would be nice if you had:
- CIPS qualified or working towards MCIPS
- Degree qualified in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related discipline
- Experience using ERP or procurement systems such as SAP, Oracle, or Coupa
This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.
Security Clearance
This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).
Why join us
At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.
- Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
- Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
- Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity.
- Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
- Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
- Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
- Tailored Perks: Spend up to 500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
- Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.
For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.
Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.
At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.
Be part of something bigger - apply now!
Primary Location: GB - Yeovil - Lysander Rd
Additional Locations: GB - Bristol - Coldharbour Lane, GB - Edinburgh
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
Job Summary
Job number: R0030692
Date posted: 2026-07-30
Profession: Contracts Management
Employment type: Full time
Indirect Procurement Category Manager in Edinburgh employer: Leonardo DRS
Leonardo DRS is an excellent employer for students seeking practical experience in a supportive and dynamic environment. Located in Bedford, the company fosters a collaborative work culture that encourages personal growth and skill development, making it an ideal place for young individuals to kickstart their careers in inventory management and logistics. With hands-on training and mentorship opportunities, students can gain valuable insights while contributing to meaningful projects over their temporary tenure.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Indirect Procurement Category Manager in Edinburgh
✨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 Leonardo DRS.
✨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 Indirect Procurement Category Manager in Edinburgh
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 Leonardo DRS:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Leonardo DRS. 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 Leonardo DRS.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo DRS
✨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 Leonardo DRS!
✨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 Leonardo DRS. 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 Leonardo DRS's culture.
