Job Title: Category Manager
Location: Leeds (Office-based)
Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Salary: Competitive
Role Overview
SF Recruitment are seeking a highly technical and commercially driven Category Manager to lead sourcing strategy and supplier management for our Leeds based client across a complex manufacturing environment.
This role blends strategic procurement with strong engineering awareness, covering mechanical systems, automation, and production line integration. You will be responsible for driving innovation, cost optimisation, and performance improvements through supplier collaboration, technical evaluation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Duties:
-Develop and deliver category strategies
-Align sourcing strategies with operational, engineering, and capital investment plans
-Develop long-term supplier roadmaps focused on innovation, performance, and total cost of ownership
-Work closely with engineering and operations teams to define technical specifications and performance requirements
-Assess machinery design, mechanical systems, and automation capability during supplier selection
-Support standardisation and modularisation of equipment across sites
-Lead technical reviews and feasibility assessments for new machinery investments
-Manage relationships with OEMs, system integrators, and specialist engineering suppliers
-Drive supplier performance across cost, quality, delivery, and technical capability
-Negotiate contracts for capital equipment, maintenance agreements, and lifecycle services
-Develop strategic supplier partnerships to support innovation and competitive advantage
-Drive sustainability improvements in energy efficiency, machine performance, and waste reduction
-Lead procurement activity for CAPEX projects
Key Skills & Experience
-Experience in procurement or category management within industrial equipment or manufacturing environments
Experience working with OEMs, system integrators, and engineering suppliers
-Proven CAPEX procurement and contract negotiation experience
-Knowledge of value engineering, cost modelling, and reverse engineering techniques
-Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills
-Commercially astute with strategic thinking ability
-Confident working cross-functionally with engineering and operations teams
-Detail-oriented with a structured and analytical approach
-Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
If you have the relevant experience for this role and would like further details, please apply with a copy of your CV today