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- Tasks: Drive impactful category strategies and manage supplier relationships for critical components.
- Company: Join a leading global manufacturer with a supportive culture and career growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, pension contributions, and performance bonuses.
- Other info: Opportunity to travel internationally and work on innovative projects.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in procurement while developing your expertise in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic procurement within manufacturing or engineering is essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Vickerstock are working exclusively with a global manufacturer on the appointment of a Category Manager on a full-time permanent basis (40 hours). Our client is a major international business recognised as a leading name in their industry with thousands of employees across the world, offering excellent benefits and a path to develop your expertise and career in a supportive working environment.
As the Category Manager, you will be responsible for driving high-impact category strategies that deliver measurable cost savings, improved quality and enhanced supply chain resilience across critical components and services. The role plays a key part in aligning procurement activity to business objectives, unlocking value through strategic sourcing, strong supplier partnerships and continuous improvement.
Benefits Include:
- Pension - Employer 7%/ Employee minimum of 5%
- Life Assurance - 6 times salary
- Discretionary bonus scheme 10% based on business performance
- 33 days annual leave - 25 + 8 stats
- Enhanced maternity and adoption pay
- Enhanced paternity pay
- Salary to be discussed in person.
Duties in the Category Lead role include:
- Develop, own and execute robust category strategies across assigned spend areas including (but not limited to) metal fabrications, hydraulics, electrical components and vehicle or machine parts.
- Lead end-to-end supplier management activities within your categories, encompassing contract negotiation, change management, pricing and payment queries, supplier classification and ongoing supplier relationship management.
- Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key strategic suppliers to drive performance improvements, innovation, quality, service and full commercial and regulatory compliance.
- Proactively identify and deliver cost reduction and value creation opportunities, taking a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) approach through strategic sourcing initiatives, process improvements and close supplier collaboration.
- Act as the primary escalation point for all supply-related issues within your category, working cross-functionally to resolve challenges quickly and ensure uninterrupted production and operational continuity.
- Take ownership of design changes and special or one-off parts, including re-specification, cost validation and supplier engagement.
- Manage and track design change implementation to ensure continuity of supply and accurate transition of parts into production.
What you will need to succeed:
- Demonstrable experience in a strategic procurement position
- Experience within manufacturing, engineering, aerospace or automotive industries.
Advantageous:
- Experience in areas such as metal fabrications, hydraulics, electrical components or vehicle machine parts.
- CIPS Qualification (ideally Level 4 or working towards).
- Ability to travel internationally to visit suppliers.
Category Manager - Manufacturing employer: Vickerstock
Contact Detail:
Vickerstock Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Manufacturing
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Category Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in driving cost savings and enhancing supply chain resilience.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When discussing your past roles, focus on specific examples where you’ve delivered measurable results. We love hearing about those high-impact category strategies you’ve executed.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals who can drive innovation and quality in procurement.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Manufacturing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in strategic procurement and any relevant industry knowledge, especially in manufacturing or engineering. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can drive high-impact category strategies. We love seeing enthusiasm and a clear understanding of our business objectives.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Quantify your successes in previous roles, like cost savings or supplier relationship improvements. We’re all about measurable results here at StudySmarter.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Let’s make it happen!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vickerstock
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific categories you'll be managing, like metal fabrications and hydraulics. Understand the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in these areas. This will not only show your expertise but also your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Supplier Management Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with supplier management. Prepare examples of how you've successfully negotiated contracts or resolved supply-related issues in the past. Highlighting your ability to build strong relationships with suppliers can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate a TCO Mindset
Since the role focuses on cost reduction and value creation, come prepared to discuss how you've applied a Total Cost of Ownership approach in previous roles. Share specific strategies you've implemented that led to measurable savings or improved quality.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration Questions
Expect questions about working with different teams to resolve challenges. Think of examples where you've collaborated across departments to ensure operational continuity. This will showcase your ability to work effectively in a large, international organisation.