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- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement and develop category strategies for critical components.
- Company: Join a renowned heavy manufacturing company with global reach.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, generous leave, and a competitive pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a growth journey and drive impactful change in procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic procurement within manufacturing or engineering sectors.
- Other info: Opportunity for international travel and career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Vickerstock are working in partnership with a Heavy Manufacturing company on the appointment of a Category Lead on a full-time permanent basis (40 hours). Our client is renowned for producing top quality machinery selling to a global customer base. 2026 is a year full of growth and potential for our client, so this is an excellent chance to get on board to drive a key category for the business.
As the Category Lead, you will implement effective 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:
- Hybrid: 2 days from home from month 2
- 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, paternity and adoption pay.
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 Lead in London employer: Vickerstock
Contact Detail:
Vickerstock Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Lead in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews like a pro! Research the company, understand their products, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. We want you to shine and show them why you’re the perfect fit for the Category Lead role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. We can’t stress enough how important it is to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently when it’s your turn to impress.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We believe showing appreciation for the opportunity can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Lead in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Lead role. Highlight your experience in strategic procurement and any relevant industry knowledge, like 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 the role and how you can contribute to our growth. Be sure to mention specific examples of your past successes in procurement.
Showcase Your Achievements: When filling out your application, don’t just list your responsibilities—show us your achievements! Use numbers and metrics where possible to demonstrate how you've delivered cost savings or improved supplier relationships in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vickerstock
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific categories you'll be managing, like metal fabrications or hydraulics. Understand the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in these areas. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss how you've developed and executed category strategies in the past. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to deliver cost savings and improve quality. Think about how you can apply these strategies to the company's needs and be ready to share your ideas.
✨Build Relationships Virtually
Since this role involves strong supplier partnerships, be prepared to talk about how you've built and maintained relationships in previous roles. Share examples of how you've navigated challenges with suppliers and what steps you took to ensure compliance and performance improvements.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially regarding supply-related issues. Think of a few scenarios where you successfully resolved challenges in procurement or supplier management. Highlight your cross-functional collaboration skills and how you ensured operational continuity.
