Procurement Category Manager
Overview
We are seeking an operational, highly analytical Procurement Category Manager to take end-to-end ownership of critical spend portfolios. Whether your background is in strategic procurement or commercial management with project cost control expertise, this role is suited to a skilled commercial professional who can execute structured sourcing strategies, secure price stability, ensure supply continuity, and support the optimisation of business workflows.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Execution & Contract Management
- Manage the full lifecycle of assigned procurement categories.
- Execute structured RFx processes and mitigate commercial risks and contract variations.
- Utilise data-driven evaluation models to secure competitive pricing and robust Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
- Lead and execute hedging strategies where applicable.
Cross-Functional Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as a strategic commercial partner across the organisation.
- Engage proactively with operational managers and key stakeholders to align short-term requirements with long-term procurement strategies.
- Support the implementation and adoption of procurement processes through influence, education, and demonstrated business value.
Process Optimisation & Systems Transition
- Act as a functional champion during ERP implementation and digital transformation initiatives.
- Manage current procure-to-pay (P2P) workflows while supporting migration to automated systems and processes.
Continuous Improvement
- Review existing procurement workflows and identify operational bottlenecks.
- Design and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency and procurement effectiveness.
Data-Led Problem Solving
- Analyse spend data and procurement performance metrics.
- Manage non-compliant purchasing activity and proactively address supply chain risks.
Supplier Relationship & Project Governance
- Apply strong project management principles to supplier governance and accountability.
- Monitor supplier performance through KPIs and performance reviews.
- Act as the primary commercial escalation point for operational supply issues.
Required Experience & Competencies
Professional Experience
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in a Buyer, Category Manager, Procurement Manager, or Commercial Manager role within an industrial, manufacturing, engineering, construction, or related environment.
Commercial Expertise
- Demonstrated experience managing complex commercial tenders, contract negotiations, contract variations, and long-term supplier agreements.
- Experience implementing pricing strategies and hedging arrangements is desirable.
Autonomy & Initiative
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a wider team.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with a proactive approach to decision-making.
Digital & Systems Capability
- Advanced proficiency in data analysis and reporting using ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Dynamics, or equivalent platforms.
- Experience with cost modelling and procurement analytics tools.
- Understanding of AI-enabled tools and practical experience applying them in a professional setting.
Stakeholder Management
- Strong communication and influencing skills.
- Proven ability to drive change and process adoption across technical and non-technical stakeholder groups without direct authority.
Education & Professional Qualifications
- Degree in Business, Procurement, Supply Chain, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Professional certification in Procurement (e.g. CIPS) or Project Management (e.g. PMP) is desirable.
