Category Manager
Chelmsford area
Salary Negotiable
Our client, a leading innovator in its sector, is seeking a commercially minded Category Manager to support new product development, strategic procurement, and supplier performance from initial concept through to product end-of-life. This opportunity offers international exposure, cross-functional collaboration, and the chance to influence purchasing strategies, cost efficiencies, and product innovation within a growing global business.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage forward sourcing activities and develop effective purchasing strategies aligned with business objectives.
- Conduct cost analysis, support price modelling, and identify opportunities for cost reduction and value engineering.
- Lead supplier enquiries, commercial negotiations, and early supplier engagement for new product development projects.
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to support quality, cost, delivery, and project requirements.
- Maintain accurate SAP and ERP master data, support make-or-buy assessments and prepare project reports and documentation.
- Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and other stakeholders to support product launches and production ramp-up.
- Coordinate sourcing activities throughout the product lifecycle, including phase-out and end-of-life planning.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, supply chain efficiency, and procurement performance.
Skills and Experience
- Degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Business, Procurement, or a related discipline.
- Experience in category management, strategic purchasing, sourcing, supply chain operations, or project procurement.
- Background in new product introduction, supplier development, or manufacturing environments.
- Strong technical knowledge, ideally involving mechanical components or manufacturing processes.
- Commercial awareness with proven analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving capabilities.
- Experience using SAP, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office applications.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with international stakeholders.
- Fluent English, with flexibility to travel when required.
Salary and Benefits
- Salary negotiable depending on experience.
- Monday to Friday, 8:00 am–4:30 pm.
- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Company pension scheme.
- Free on-site parking.
- Employee wellbeing services and social events.
- Career development opportunities within an expanding organisation.
Important:
- Applicants requiring visa sponsorship, either now or in the future, cannot be considered for this vacancy.
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Category Manager in Chelmsford employer: Prime Appointments Ltd
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