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- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and manage supplier relationships for innovative aerospace projects.
- Company: Thompson Aero Seating, a leader in the aerospace industry with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, 33 days leave, flexible working, and health cash plan.
- Why this job: Make an impact in aerospace while driving sustainable practices and leading transformation projects.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in Supply Chain/Strategic Procurement, ideally in technology/aerospace with composites experience.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and professional development in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Overview
The post holder will be responsible for providing leadership direction for the design of robust Commodity Strategies to support the business goals, lead a global category focal point for the business and provide industry-leading category management expertise.
Responsibilities
- Lead the outsourced spend for the specific commodity spend Category, Composites
- Build, maintain and manage scaled & critical strategic supplier relationships.
- Accountability for significant and sustained cost savings for their Category, on an on-going basis.
- Ensure key input into the overall Make vs Buy strategy, identifying opportunities and synergies both within the supply chain and current Make portfolio.
- Provide strategic leadership to key business transformation and outsourcing projects and leverage strong project and change management skills to manage complex and high value outsourcing and re-sourcing projects.
- Drive sustainable and ethical sourcing practices across the organisation. Influencing stakeholders at the highest level within the business unit, suppliers, and customers.
- Management of strategic sourcing, search, and supplier evaluations; conducting RFPs / tender / commercial negotiation processes
- Manage multiple supplier relationships and projects to balance supply chain competition
- Secure a global supply base that meets the organisation\’s cost and performance targets
- Drive continuous improvements for the Category / group of commodities.
- Negotiate and implement LTAs and subcontracts
- Provide insights and recommendations based on analysis, research, industry trends, benchmarking, and best practices.
Rewards
- Competitive salary
- Annual bonus (linked to company performance)
- 33 days annual leave (Increase after 5 years\’ service)
- 37.5 hours per week
- Flexi time working
- £5,000 employee referral bonus
- Health cash plan
- Contributory Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme
- Holiday Purchase Scheme – Salary Sacrifice
- Electric Car Scheme – Salary Sacrifice
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Life Assurance Scheme at x4 gross salary
- Competitive enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
- IVF & Assisted Conception Policy
- Women in Business – Corportate Member
- Wellbeing Initiatives
- Employee Recognition scheme
- Long Service Awards
- Local charity / sponsorship activities
- Dedicated employee parking
- Discounted Gym membership
- Learning and development opportunities
- Career progression
Requirements
Essential
- >5 years\’ experience in Supply Chain / Strategic Procurement within a technology / aerospace company with at least 3 years in composites background
- Category Supply Market knowledge
- Proven track record of managing strategic sourcing processes and critical supplier relationships and of leading complex sourcing evaluation process and outsourcing
- Bachelor\’s degree ideally in Engineering, Business, Operations, Strategy or related field
- Demonstrated ability to forge close business relationships with internal and external stakeholders at senior leadership level.
- Skilled negotiator adept at managing complex negotiations at management level with both external and internal stakeholders
- Project and Change management experience with strong leadership and team development
- Decision Making/Problem Solving – able to make decisions in complex/ambiguous situations and with incomplete data.
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Global travel as and when required
Desirable
- CIPS Master / Advanced Practitioner or equivalent
We reserve the right to enhance criteria on shortlisting.
Thompson Aero Seating is an Equal Opportunities employer.
The closing date for applications is the 9th November 2025 at 17:00.
To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page. To start the process, click the Apply button below to Login/Register.
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Category Manager employer: Thompson Aero Seating Ltd
Contact Detail:
Thompson Aero Seating Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Networking is key! Reach out to industry professionals on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We can leverage our connections to get insights and maybe even a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. We should be ready to discuss how our skills align with their goals, especially in strategic sourcing and supplier management.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, showcasing our ability to negotiate effectively can set us apart. We can role-play scenarios to build confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep track of our progress easily.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in supply chain and strategic procurement, especially in composites. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your achievements in managing supplier relationships and driving cost savings.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves providing strategic leadership, be sure to highlight your leadership experiences. We love to see how you've influenced stakeholders and led successful projects in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our careers page! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Click that Apply button and let’s get started on this journey together!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thompson Aero Seating Ltd
✨Know Your Commodities
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the composites market and the specific commodities you'll be managing. Research current trends, key suppliers, and any recent innovations in the field. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've led, especially those involving complex supplier relationships. Be ready to discuss your approach, the challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This will highlight your ability to manage high-stakes negotiations effectively.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Think of instances where you've provided strategic leadership or managed change within a team or project. Be prepared to share how you influenced stakeholders and drove successful outcomes. This will showcase your capability to lead in a dynamic environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's sourcing strategies, sustainability practices, and future goals. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the company aligns with your values and career aspirations.
