Procurement Category Manager
Procurement Category Manager

Procurement Category Manager

Full-Time 60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Rolls-Royce plc

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships in a dynamic aerospace environment.
  • Company: Join Rolls-Royce, a leader in innovation and inclusivity.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension contributions, and employee discounts.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in aerospace while driving change and innovation.
  • Qualifications: Degree or CIPS qualifications with experience in procurement and negotiation.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.

At Rolls-Royce we are proud to be a business that has truly helped to shape the modern world and we are committed to always being a force for progress; powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere. By joining Rolls-Royce, you’ll have the opportunity to work on world-class solutions, supported by a culture that champions inclusivity, creativity, and your professional growth.

Position Summary

As a Procurement Category Manager, you’ll be responsible for major aerospace supplier accounts within the (EMEA) Europe & Row region. This role combines post-award contract management with Commercial Subject Matter Expertise, driving value through in-contract cost, performance management and risk mitigation strategies. Beyond this, championing Digital and Sprint Project Management, leading rapid-response initiatives and digital upskilling programs that modernize category operations and deliver on high-priority leadership mandates.

What you’ll be doing

In this role, you’ll lead a team of buyers and take ownership of developing and deploying global commodity strategies. You’ll manage strategic sourcing, commercial risk, and supplier performance while driving value, resilience, and competitive advantage. You’ll also coach and mentor your team, helping to strengthen our overall sourcing capability.

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Leading complex negotiations and business cases, including cost modelling, contract drafting, and stakeholder alignment.
  • Developing and maintaining integrated category strategies to ensure long-term supply chain resilience and value creation.
  • Managing supplier relationships and performance, ensuring appropriate contractual coverage and mitigating commercial risk.
  • Supporting supplier consolidation and cost-saving initiatives across critical supply chains.
  • Driving a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing within your team.

What you’ll get:

On top of your salary and equivalent of 33 days’ holiday a year, you’ll get generous pension contributions (up to 12%), access to employee support assistance and employee discounts, free parking. Plus, much more.

To be successful in this role, you’ll bring strong commercial acumen and a strategic mindset. You’ll thrive in a dynamic environment and enjoy solving complex problems. Specifically, you’ll need:

  • A degree (BA level) and/or CIPS qualifications.
  • Experience in Direct and/or Indirect Procurement within a regulated or complex industry.
  • A track record of leading negotiations at a senior level and delivering commercial value.
  • Expertise in category strategy development, supplier management, and in-contract performance.
  • Understanding of Total Cost of Acquisition / Product Cost Lifecycles and commercial levers.
  • A passion for driving change and making a measurable difference.

Our future vision is to deepen our world-class engineering and technology capability and lead next generation thinking for our customers. We will play our part in the energy transition for a more sustainable world. Join us, and it can be your future vision too.

We offer excellent development opportunities, a competitive salary, and exceptional benefits. These include bonus, employee support assistance and employee discounts.

We are an equal opportunities employer. We’re committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive working environment. We believe that people from different backgrounds and cultures give us different perspectives which are crucial to innovation and problem solving. We believe the more diverse perspectives we have, the more successful we’ll be. By building a culture of caring and belonging, we give everyone who works here the opportunity to realise their full potential.

We welcome applications from people with a refugee background.

Closing date for applications: 17th May 2026

As part of our selection process, candidates in certain locations may be asked to complete an online assessment, which can include cognitive and behavioural aptitude testing relevant to the role. If required, full instructions for the next steps will be provided.

Procurement Category Manager employer: Rolls-Royce plc

At Rolls-Royce, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that empowers our employees to thrive. As a Procurement Category Manager in Bristol, you will benefit from competitive salaries, generous pension contributions, and a commitment to your professional development through coaching and mentoring opportunities. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values diverse perspectives and drives innovation in the aerospace industry.
Rolls-Royce plc

Contact Detail:

Rolls-Royce plc Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! As a Procurement Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead complex negotiations. Role-play with a friend or mentor to build confidence before the real deal.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.

We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Category Manager

Commercial Acumen
Strategic Mindset
Negotiation Skills
Contract Management
Supplier Relationship Management
Category Strategy Development
Cost Modelling
Stakeholder Alignment
Risk Mitigation Strategies
Continuous Improvement
Problem-Solving Skills
Understanding of Total Cost of Acquisition
Experience in Direct and/or Indirect Procurement
Coaching and Mentoring Skills
Digital Upskilling

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Procurement Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in strategic sourcing and supplier management, as well as any relevant qualifications like CIPS. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about procurement and how you can drive value in our team. Be sure to mention specific examples of your past successes in negotiations or category strategy development.

Showcase Your Commercial Acumen: In your application, demonstrate your strong commercial acumen and strategic mindset. Share experiences where you've successfully managed supplier relationships or led complex negotiations. We love seeing how you think and solve problems!

Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company culture and values.

How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls-Royce plc

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Procurement Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your commercial acumen. Brush up on key metrics related to cost modelling and supplier performance. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive value in past roles.

✨Master the Art of Negotiation

Prepare for complex negotiations by reviewing successful strategies you've employed in the past. Think about specific examples where you led negotiations at a senior level and delivered commercial value. This will show your capability to handle high-stakes discussions.

✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset

Be prepared to discuss how you've developed and maintained integrated category strategies. Highlight your experience in managing supplier relationships and mitigating risks. This will demonstrate your ability to think strategically and act decisively.

✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement

Talk about how you've driven a culture of continuous improvement within your teams. Share examples of how you've coached and mentored others, and how this has strengthened sourcing capabilities. This aligns with their focus on knowledge sharing and team development.

Procurement Category Manager
Rolls-Royce plc

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