Category Manager
Location: Flexible UK Location | Hybrid (2 days WFH / 3 days on-site or travel)
Pay Rate: £650 per day via umbrella (Inside IR35)
Contract Length: 6-month contract (Possible extension)
The Opportunity
We're supporting a leading organisation in the energy and infrastructure sector to recruit a Category Manager - Directs to play a key role in a critical metering programme.
This is a fantastic opportunity to lead high-value, strategically important procurement activity, working closely with a specialist metering business unit undergoing ongoing transformation. You'll have real ownership of sourcing strategy, supplier engagement, and commercial outcomes - directly influencing how a vital operational area evolves.
If you enjoy working at pace, engaging senior stakeholders, and driving value through procurement excellence, this role offers strong visibility and impact.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the end-to-end sourcing lifecycle for metering-related categories, including strategy development, tendering, evaluation, negotiation and contract award
Develop and deliver category strategies aligned to business objectives and evolving metering requirements
Manage multiple tender events and competitive sourcing processes, ensuring timely delivery and strong commercial outcomes
Build strong partnerships with the metering business unit, ensuring alignment to operational needs and future demand
Undertake market analysis and supplier engagement to identify opportunities, mitigate risks and improve supplier performance
Drive supplier relationship management initiatives to deliver continuous value, innovation and performance improvements
Collaborate with internal procurement teams and stakeholders to ensure governance, compliance and best practice
Support and develop junior team members, providing coaching and guidance where requiredKey Skills & Experience
Essential
Proven experience in strategic sourcing or procurement, ideally within infrastructure, utilities or complex operational environments
Strong track record of delivering tender events, negotiations and measurable commercial outcomes
Experience working with technical or operational categories (metering, engineering, equipment or similar preferred)
Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and build credibility across business functions
Strong commercial acumen, including contractual understanding and supplier management expertise
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities, delivering to deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Experience in category strategy development and market analysis
Previous experience managing or mentoring team members is advantageousDesirable:
Degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance or similar)
MCIPS or working towards professional procurement accreditationPlease note: Due to the high volume of applications, only successful candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from us within 48 hours, unfortunately, your application has not been successful on this occasion. However, we may retain your details for any future suitable vacancies and contact you accordingly.
Pontoon is an employment consultancy. We put expertise, energy, and enthusiasm into improving everyone's chance of being part of the workplace. We respect and appreciate people of all ethnicities, generations, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, and more. We do this by showcasing their talents, skills, and unique experience in an inclusive environment that helps them thrive. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.
We use generative AI tools to support our candidate screening process. This helps us ensure a fair, consistent, and efficient experience for all applicants. Rest assured, all final decisions are made by our hiring team, and your application will be reviewed with care and attention