Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- 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, flexible working hours, and extensive leave options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the aerospace sector while driving sustainable practices.
- 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 36000 - 60000 £ 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 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.
Benefits
- 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
- Cyle 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
- 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 8th February 2026 at 17:00. For further information contact careers@thompsonaero.com.
Category Manager in Portadown employer: Thompson Aero Seating
Contact Detail:
Thompson Aero Seating Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Portadown
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. 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 competitors. Understand their challenges and how your skills can help them achieve their goals. This will show you're not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you'll need to influence stakeholders and negotiate contracts. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen your approach 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 take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Portadown
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 should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of your achievements in managing supplier relationships and leading sourcing processes. Let your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves providing strategic leadership, be sure to highlight your project and change management experience. We love seeing how you've influenced stakeholders and driven improvements in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thompson Aero Seating
✨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 players, and any recent innovations in the industry. 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 discussions and influence stakeholders effectively.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Think of specific instances where you've provided strategic leadership in sourcing or procurement projects. Be prepared to discuss how you managed teams, drove change, and achieved significant cost savings. This will illustrate your capability to lead and transform business processes.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to decision-making and problem-solving. Practice articulating your thought process and how you would handle ambiguity or incomplete data. This will showcase your analytical skills and ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
