SF Recruitment are exclusively working with a Leeds based business who are looking for a highly technical and commercially driven Category Manager to be responsible for Machinery to lead sourcing strategy and supplier management for capital equipment across a growing packaging operation.
This is a key role combining deep technical expertise with strategic procurement capability, covering mechanical systems, automation, and full production line integration. You will play a critical role in driving innovation, cost optimisation, and performance improvements through supplier collaboration and continuous technology evaluation.
Key Responsibilities
Category Strategy & Leadership
* Develop and execute category strategies for packaging machinery
* Align sourcing strategies with operational, engineering, and capital investment plans
* Lead long-term supplier roadmap development, focusing on innovation and total cost of ownership
Technical Sourcing & Engineering Integration
* Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to define technical specifications
* Evaluate machinery design, mechanical systems, and automation capabilities
* Support equipment standardisation and modularisation across sites
* Lead technical reviews and feasibility assessments for new investments
* Manage relationships with OEMs, system integrators, and specialist engineering suppliers
* Drive supplier performance across cost, quality, delivery, and technical capability
* Support contract negotiations for capital equipment and lifecycle services
* Develop strategic supplier partnerships to drive innovation
* Identify and implement new technologies (automation, robotics, digitalisation)
* Lead value engineering initiatives to optimise performance and reduce costs
* Champion sustainability improvements in machinery efficiency and waste reduction
* Analyse existing machinery to identify cost‑saving opportunities
* Apply reverse engineering techniques to improve systems and components
* Benchmark equipment against market alternatives
Project & CAPEX Procurement
* Lead procurement activities for capital expenditure projects
* Support installation, commissioning, and acceptance of machinery
* Align procurement with engineering and project delivery timelines
* Mitigate risks associated with large‑scale investments
Key Skills & Experience
* Proven experience in procurement or category management within manufacturing, packaging machinery, or industrial equipment
* Strong technical understanding of mechanical systems, automation, and production integration
* Experience working with OEMs and engineering suppliers
* Track record in CAPEX procurement and contract negotiation
* Knowledge of value engineering, reverse engineering, and cost modelling
* Strong analytical and project management skills
Qualifications
* Background in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or similar
* Professional certifications (e.g. CIPS, Six Sigma) are advantageous
About You
* Technically curious with a strong innovation mindset
* Commercially astute with strategic thinking capability
* Confident working cross‑functionally with engineering and operations
* Detail‑oriented and structured in your approach
* Resilient and adaptable in a fast‑paced environment
What’s on Offer
* Opportunity to shape machinery strategy within a growing organisation
* Exposure to cutting‑edge technologies and innovation projects
* Collaborative environment across procurement, engineering, and operations
* Competitive salary and benefits package
If you’re looking to take ownership of a highly technical category and make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you.
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