Category Manager

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 to the business.

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 ongoing 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.

Reward

• Competitive salary.
• Annual bonus (linked to company performance).
• 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 - Corporate Member.
• Wellbeing Initiatives.
• Employee Recognition scheme.
• 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.
• Demonstrated experience influencing senior executives.
• Bachelor's degree ideally in Engineering, Business, Operations, Strategy or related field.
• Skilled negotiator adept at managing complex negotiations at management level with both external and internal stakeholders.
• Expertise in delivering change programmes to switch supply base to achieve lower cost / improved performance whilst retaining secure supply.
• Project and Change management experience with strong leadership and team development.
• Desirable: Ideally 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 19th July 2026 at 17:00. To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page.