Category manager

Job Description

Operations | Salary up to £60,000 + 10% Bonus

Our client is a market-leading international manufacturer of specialist testing and measurement solutions used in safety-critical industries. Operating across the UK and North America, the business is part of a growing private equity-backed group with an excellent reputation for innovation, engineering excellence and global customer support.

Reporting to the Head of Supply Chain, the Category Manager will take ownership of category strategy, supplier performance, sourcing and New Product Introduction (NPI) activities across a diverse portfolio including electronics, PCBAs, plastics, metals, mechanical assemblies, packaging, power supplies, batteries and raw materials.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies aligned to business growth objectives.
• Lead supplier sourcing, tenders, negotiations, and commercial agreements.
• Drive supplier performance improvements across cost, quality, delivery and innovation.
• Support NPI projects, ensuring supplier readiness, tooling, capacity, and production ramp-up.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks through robust sourcing and continuity strategies.
• Deliver cost reduction initiatives and continuous improvement programmes.
• Manage supplier relationships and performance reviews with key strategic partners.

About You

• Proven Category Management, Strategic Sourcing, or Procurement experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong commercial, negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Experience managing technical categories such as electronics, mechanical assemblies, plastics, metals or engineered components.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, operations and quality teams.
• Analytical and strategic mindset with a focus on delivering long-term value.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing international business where you can make a significant impact on supply chain performance, supplier development, and future product success.