Category Manager : Indirects, Aftersales and NPD
Sector: Manufacturing
Location: Birmingham : Hybrid : 3 days on:site
Salary: Up to GBP 55,000 + excellent benefits
Sector: Advanced Manufacturing
Contract: Permanent, Full:Time
A leading global manufacturer with a strong reputation for engineering excellence is seeking an experienced Category Manager to take ownership of a substantialspend portfolio across indirect goods and services, aftermarket components, and NPD support.
This is a key strategic role within a high:performing procurement function, based at the organisation's European headquarters. Working within a collaborative and forward:thinking culture, you'll play a pivotal part in driving value, ensuring supply continuity, and enabling innovation across the business.
The Role
You will lead category strategy development, supplier partnerships, and sourcing activity across a broad non:production portfolio. Key responsibilities include:
: Develop and deliver category strategies across multiple indirect and aftermarket categories.
: Conduct spend analysis, demand forecasting and market intelligence to identify optimisation opportunities.
: Build multi:year plans for supplier development, sustainability, and risk mitigation.
: Drive alignment across departments to optimise total cost of ownership.
: Monitor KPIs and adjust strategies to deliver measurable value.
: Integrate procurement into early:stage product development activities.
: Engage suppliers early to influence cost, design and manufacturability.
: Identify, evaluate and develop suppliers globally.
: Lead RFP/RFQ processes and negotiate robust commercial agreements.
: Ensure compliance with category strategy and internal requirements.
About You
Essential:
: Minimum 2 years' experience in a procurement leadership or management role.
: Experience working in a manufacturing or engineering environment.
: Strong commercial acumen with experience of managing significant spend and multiple projects.
: Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems.
: Excellent negotiation, problem:solving and stakeholder:management skills.
: Highly accurate with strong attention to detail.
Desirable:
: CIPS Level 4+ or relevant equivalent
: Experience in technical manufacturing or food processing environments.
: Project management experience.
If you feel this role aligns with you, we would love to discuss the role and your experience further and look forward to your CV / Application.