Category Manager – Indirects, Aftersales & NPD
Sector: Manufacturing | Location: Birmingham – Hybrid (3 days on site) | Salary: Up to £55,000 + excellent benefits | 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 substantial spend 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
* Lead category strategy development, supplier partnerships, and sourcing activity across a broad non‑production portfolio.
* 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.
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