At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and category management for complex spend areas in aerospace.
- Company: Join Leonardo UK, a leader in aerospace engineering with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and an award-winning pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and a supportive workplace culture.
- 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 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 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, and 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.
- 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.
Indirect Procurement Category Manager in Yeovil employer: leonardocompany
At Leonardo UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. As an Indirect Procurement Category Manager, you will benefit from a comprehensive benefits package, including generous leave and a robust pension scheme, while working in a dynamic aerospace engineering environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Join us to make a meaningful impact and thrive in your career with ample opportunities for development and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Indirect Procurement Category Manager in Yeovil
✨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 leonardocompany.
✨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 Yeovil
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 leonardocompany:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to leonardocompany. 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 leonardocompany.
How to prepare for a job interview at leonardocompany
✨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 leonardocompany!
✨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 leonardocompany. 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 leonardocompany's culture.
