Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive impactful category strategies and manage supplier relationships for a global manufacturer.
- Company: Join a leading international manufacturer with a supportive culture and career growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pension, life assurance, hybrid work, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Opportunity for international travel and collaboration with key suppliers.
- Why this job: Make a real impact 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, 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.
For a confidential conversation on how Vickerstock can help support you with your next move, get in touch with our supply chain consultant Michael Irwin today.
Category Manager - Manufacturing TLNT1_NI employer: Vickerstock
Contact Detail:
Vickerstock Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Manufacturing TLNT1_NI
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Understand their products and services, especially in manufacturing. We want you to walk in confident, ready to discuss how your skills align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You should be able to clearly articulate your experience and how it relates to the role of Category Manager. We recommend rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to nail that delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who are ready to make an impact in the manufacturing sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Manufacturing TLNT1_NI
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 what we're looking for!
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 how you've driven cost savings or improved supplier relationships in the past. We love a good story that showcases your expertise!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don't just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics where possible to demonstrate the impact you've made in previous roles. We’re all about measurable results, so let us know how you’ve unlocked value through strategic sourcing.
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. Plus, it’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re done!
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 current market trends, key suppliers, and potential challenges. This knowledge will show your passion and preparedness.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
Be ready to discuss how you've developed and executed category strategies in the past. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to drive cost savings and improve quality. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and alignment with the company's objectives.
✨Build Rapport with Your Interviewers
Establishing a connection with your interviewers can set you apart. Be personable and engage them in conversation about their experiences in the industry. This not only shows your interpersonal skills but also your genuine interest in the role and company culture.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific supply chain challenges or supplier negotiations. Prepare by thinking through past experiences where you successfully navigated similar situations. This will help you articulate your problem-solving skills effectively.