Indirect Procurement Category Manager in Somerset

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 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 labor, 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 labor, 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.