At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and category management for complex spend areas in aerospace.
- Company: Join a global leader in aerospace engineering with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and access to 4,000+ online courses.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while developing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
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 a 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.
- 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.
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.
Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
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.
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.
Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace.
Locations
Category Procurement Manager (Packaging) in Somerset, Yeovil employer: Leonardo DRS
Leonardo is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets collaboration. As a Campaign Manager, you'll thrive in a culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth, supported by comprehensive benefits including an award-winning pension scheme and access to over 4,000 online courses. With flexible working options and a commitment to inclusion, Leonardo empowers you to make a meaningful impact in the defence and aerospace sector while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance.
