Category Specialist – High Wycombe Copello are working with a defence company who are looking for Category Specialist (Strategic), who will need to manage and optimise strategic sourcing initiatives across assigned categories. In this role, you will be responsible for developing and executing category strategies that align with business objectives, drive value creation, mitigate risks, and ensure supplier performance. Key responsibilities * Develop and implement long-term category strategies to achieve cost savings, improve quality, improve on-time delivery and reduce supply risk. * Conduct market analysis, benchmarking, and supplier assessments to identify sourcing opportunities, including supplier rationalisation. * Lead RFx processes (RFI, RFP, RFQ), supplier negotiations, cross-functional supplier selection, and contract negotiation / execution for strategic spend categories. * Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal stakeholders to understand their needs and align procurement strategies accordingly. * Support the Procurement Manager to manage supplier performance, resolve issues, and conduct periodic reviews to ensure contractual compliance and continuous improvement. * Monitor industry trends, supply chain risks, and changes in the market that may influence sourcing plans. * Collaborate with cross-functional teams (BU’s, Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Legal, Financ...