Indirect Procurement Category Manager
KNDS UK Stockport, England, United Kingdom
We are currently looking for an Indirect Procurement Category Manager at KNDS UK.
With over a century of engineering expertise and innovation, KNDS UK is a renowned world leader in rapidly deployable military bridging systems and a key partner in the UK MoD’s Boxer armoured vehicle programme.
About The Role
The primary purpose of this role is to be responsible for identifying and executing strategic sourcing initiatives across the portfolio of all non‑production related commodities at KNDS. This role ensures that all sourcing activities are fully aligned with the procurement strategies of the parent company, maintaining consistency and strategic coherence across all areas of responsibility.
Key Duties
* Own the development and implementation of category strategies across KNDS for the indirect procurement commodity group.
* Develop and continually improve best‑in‑class, efficient and effective indirect procurement processes for both OPEX and CAPEX.
* Establish procurement and stakeholder networks to support strategy development and execution.
* Build and maintain market information on suppliers, providing trends and cost analysis to internal stakeholders to improve long‑term cost position and supply reliability.
* Serve as the subject‑matter expert for the indirect procurement commodity group.
* Develop and execute a risk management plan that addresses key risks in contract and supplier management.
* Lead key supplier relationships with stakeholders to increase alignment and value generation.
* Own the development of long‑term and short‑term plans addressing cost, safety, continuous improvement, supplier innovation and service.
* Drive early engagement with the stakeholder community during the procurement process.
* Analyze the spend portfolio to identify opportunities and compliance improvements; enhance information management for non‑production spend.
* Manage key contracts and ensure compliance with the contract management process.
* Segment the supply base and implement performance management and improvement processes with appropriate KPIs and governance.
* Lead procurement liaison to optimize delivery, inventory management and working capital.
* Drive best‑in‑class contracting strategies across the commodity group.
* Provide leadership and direction for all procurement staff in the commodity group.
* Implement enhanced efficiency in the procure‑to‑pay processes for the category.
* Develop an enhanced category management approach, including KPIs and strategic sourcing processes for specified categories.
Requirements
* Proven experience in procurement, including category‑manager level.
* Experience working within indirect procurement.
* Proactive, self‑motivated with a sense of urgency.
* High attention to detail and accuracy.
* Ability to present complex data in group settings.
* Confident negotiation and purchasing strategy skills with internal and external stakeholders.
* Commercial awareness and risk assessment capability.
* Team player with flexibility and initiative.
* Organizational skills and ability to work under pressure.
* Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
* Ability to prioritize and organize work with minimal supervision.
* Strong interpersonal skills to build supplier and internal relationships.
* Ability to meet deadlines and adapt to changing conditions.
* Collaborative approach to meet multiple and potentially conflicting requests.
Benefits
* Competitive salary
* Attractive pension (4% employee contribution, 7% employer contribution)
* Half‑day Friday
* Life assurance scheme
* Company sick pay scheme increasing with service
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Additional holidays & long‑service rewards
* Wellbeing initiatives such as free fruit on Tuesdays
* Cycle‑to‑work scheme
* Free on‑site car parking
* On‑site electric vehicle charging points
Additional Information
We are proud to be part of the Armed Forces Covenant since 2018, achieving the Silver Award in 2020 and Gold Award in 2024. We actively support service leavers, reservists and cadets in recruitment and selection, recognising military skills and qualifications.
If you are passionate about procurement and eager to contribute to a thriving workplace, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.
We look forward to receiving your application.
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