Senior Category Leader – Direct Procurement in Solihull

Newly created opportunity for a Senior Category Leader – Direct Procurement for a growing global product supplier. The Senior Category Leader is a strategic role within the Group Procurement Centre of Excellence. As an owner of the Direct Materials portfolio, the role is responsible for defining and executing category strategy, driving commercial performance, securing resilient supply, and building long‑term strategic partnerships with critical suppliers across the Group. Midlands Hybrid working options + regular group travel.

World-leading supplier of B2B and B2C products with c700 employees across multiple sites in the UK, Europe, the US and India. With leading brands, innovative products, and a global footprint, they are committed to delivering sustainable solutions that protect public health and work in harmony with nature. This is a senior leadership role driving global alignment, standardisation, and best-in‑class procurement across multiple business units. You will influence executive decisions and lead cost transformation, supply resilience, sustainability, and working capital optimisation.

Key Objectives

• Lead the global Direct Materials category strategy, including supplier selection, strategic sourcing, cost leadership, and risk management.
• Deliver year‑on‑year commercial value through cost optimisation, contract negotiations, and supplier performance improvements.
• Strengthen supply resilience by managing risk, capacity, continuity, and long‑term supplier partnerships.
• Drive standardisation and governance of procurement processes, specifications, and contractual frameworks across the group.
• Provide strategic insights to senior stakeholders using robust data, market intelligence, and scenario analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• Category Strategy & Leadership
  Own and deliver the 0–5 year global Direct Materials category strategy. Lead strategic sourcing, supplier rationalisation, and long-term partnerships. Align with Operations, Engineering, NPD, Quality, Finance, and Commercial teams. Act as senior escalation point for supplier risk and performance.
• Commercial Delivery
  Lead high-value negotiations covering pricing, contracts, SLAs, and payment terms. Deliver year‑on‑year value through cost optimisation, inflation mitigation, PPV, and cash improvement. Drive structured supplier performance and development programmes.
• Risk & Governance
  Own supplier risk management across capacity, geopolitical, compliance, and financial exposure. Standardise procurement processes, governance, and best practice globally. Support strategic initiatives including outsourcing, product transitions, and footprint changes.

Essential Requirements

• Significant senior‑level experience in procurement, category management, or sourcing leadership within manufacturing, distribution, or similar global environments.
• Proven track record of delivering commercial value, managing complex supplier portfolios, and leading global negotiations.
• Strong analytical and financial skills with experience using ERP and data tools (e.g., SAP, Dynamics 365, Power BI).
• Ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders across multiple functions and geographies.
• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship‑building skills; able to manage conflict and drive high‑impact decisions.
• Experience leading cross‑functional teams and managing multiple strategic projects in a fast‑paced environment.

Desirable

• Experience with commodity markets, global sourcing, and category risk management.
• Knowledge of sustainability, ESG procurement frameworks, and supplier compliance programmes.
• Professional certifications such as CIPS, APICS/CSCP, Six Sigma, or similar.

This is a rare opportunity in a senior procurement role, driving high‑impact improvements that directly support business growth. Full job description available on request. Our client is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All applications will be considered. If you would like to learn more, please apply or contact Tim Hill at Technical Placements for an initial chat about the role.