Category Manager in Luton

Salary: £65,000 - £70,000

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.

Leonardo is a global leader in defence electronics and delivers mission critical systems for situational awareness, electronic warfare and surveillance across land, sea and air. Leonardo’s Electronics Division is an international leader in the development of innovative sensor products deployed across a wide range of airborne platforms for our Aerospace and Defence customers.

We have an excellent opportunity for a Category Manager to join the Category Management Organisation within the Procurement & Commercial Function of the Electronics Division. The successful candidate will report to the UK Senior Category Manager and be responsible for managing Leonardo UK's Technical and supply chain service categories, encompassing test solutions, engineering resource outsourcing and vendor-managed inventory.

Your impact:

• Be responsible for delivering all aspects of the strategy for the category (or categories) under your ownership which will have an impact on a number of different sites across the UK.
• Manage a team of procurement professionals who will support you in delivering the relevant category strategy (or strategies).
• Be accountable for the timely execution of contracts within your category across the UK. This includes all aspects of the sourcing phase including vendor shortlisting, competitive tender management, price and contract negotiations.
• Promote a culture of engaging with members of various functions and projects to identify opportunities.
• Be accountable for relationships with strategic suppliers who may serve multiple sites including responsibility for regular business reviews.
• Support the Head of Direct Category Management by defining, evolving and implementing the relevant category strategy within a dynamic team.
• Represent Category Management by owning the relationship with specific LoB’s/sectors across the UK and influencing stakeholders from various functions to ensure the success of the category management strategy.
• Work with the procurement capability team to ensure that we have a supply base which can meet the evolving needs of the business.
• Influence stakeholders from various functions to ensure the success of the category management strategy.
• Oversee the delivery of cost savings using various methods which you can confidently present to senior business leaders.
• Oversee complex price analysis by members of the team and benchmarking activities prior to leading negotiations.
• Support the Head of Direct Category Management by developing the Category Management framework.
• Ensure compliance with internal governance and customer flowdown requirements, supporting internal and external audits as required.
• Ensure that SAP is aligned to reflect the agreements that your team will implement.

Job Knowledge / Education and Qualifications:

• Extensive Procurement experience, preferably including category management.
• Demonstrable working knowledge and understanding of Contract Terms & Conditions.
• Experience in managing a team of professionals in a corporate environment.
• A relevant business/engineering degree and/or working experience in a similar role.
• Significant experience in managing complex tenders.
• A thorough understanding of business processes and their contribution towards meeting business objectives.
• Experience working in a highly regulated business environment.
• Proficient level of MS Office based IT skills.
• CIPS qualification preferred.
• SAP user experience.

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 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.

Primary Location: GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300

Additional Locations: GB - Basildon, GB - Edinburgh

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Hybrid