Vickerstock are working exclusively with Sandvik on the appointment of a Category Lead on a full-time permanent basis (40 hours). Sandvik, a major international business, is recognised as a leading name in its industry with thousands of employees across the world, offering excellent benefits and a path to develop your expertise and career in a supportive working environment.
As the Category Lead, you will be responsible for driving high-impact category strategies that deliver measurable cost savings, improved quality and enhanced supply chain resilience across critical components and services. The role plays a key part in aligning procurement activity to business objectives, unlocking value through strategic sourcing, strong supplier partnerships and continuous improvement.
Benefits
- Pension – Employer 7% / Employee minimum of 5%
- Discretionary bonus scheme 10% based on business performance
- 33 days annual leave – 25 + 8 stats
- Enhanced maternity and adoption pay
- Enhanced paternity pay
- Salary to be discussed in person.
Responsibilities
- Develop, own and execute robust category strategies across assigned spend areas including (but not limited to) metal fabrications, hydraulics, electrical components and vehicle or machine parts.
- Lead end-to-end supplier management activities within your categories, encompassing contract negotiation, change management, pricing and payment queries, supplier classification and ongoing supplier relationship management.
- Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key strategic suppliers to drive performance improvements, innovation, quality, service and full commercial and regulatory compliance.
- Proactively identify and deliver cost reduction and value creation opportunities, taking a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) approach through strategic sourcing initiatives, process improvements and close supplier collaboration.
- Act as the primary escalation point for all supply-related issues within your category, working cross-functionally to resolve challenges quickly and ensure uninterrupted production and operational continuity.
- Take ownership of design changes and special or one-off parts, including re-specification, cost validation and supplier engagement.
- Manage and track design change implementation to ensure continuity of supply and accurate transition of parts into production.
Requirements
- Demonstrable experience in a strategic procurement position.
- Experience within manufacturing, engineering, aerospace or automotive industries.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in areas such as metal fabrications, hydraulics, electrical components or vehicle machine parts.
- CIPS Qualification (ideally Level 4 or working towards).
- Ability to travel internationally to visit suppliers.
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