Category Manager
SF Recruitment are exclusively working with a Leeds based business who are looking for a highly technical and commercially driven Category Manager to be responsible for Machinery to lead sourcing strategy and supplier management for capital equipment across a growing packaging operation.
This is a key role combining deep technical expertise with strategic procurement capability, covering mechanical systems, automation, and full production line integration. You will play a critical role in driving innovation, cost optimisation, and performance improvements through supplier collaboration and continuous technology evaluation.
Key Responsibilities
Category Strategy & Leadership
- Develop and execute category strategies for packaging machinery
- Align sourcing strategies with operational, engineering, and capital investment plans
- Lead long-term supplier roadmap development, focusing on innovation and total cost of ownership
Technical Sourcing & Engineering Integration
- Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to define technical specifications
- Evaluate machinery design, mechanical systems, and automation capabilities
- Support equipment standardisation and modularisation across sites
- Lead technical reviews and feasibility assessments for new investments
Supplier & OEM Management
- Manage relationships with OEMs, system integrators, and specialist engineering suppliers
- Drive supplier performance across cost, quality, delivery, and technical capability
- Support contract negotiations for capital equipment and lifecycle services
- Develop strategic supplier partnerships to drive innovation
Innovation & Continuous Improvement
- Identify and implement new technologies (automation, robotics, digitalisation)
- Lead value engineering initiatives to optimise performance and reduce costs
- Champion sustainability improvements in machinery efficiency and waste reduction
Reverse Engineering & Cost Optimisation
- Analyse existing machinery to identify cost-saving opportunities
- Apply reverse engineering techniques to improve systems and components
- Benchmark equipment against market alternatives
Project & CAPEX Procurement
- Lead procurement activities for capital expenditure projects
- Support installation, commissioning, and acceptance of machinery
- Align procurement with engineering and project delivery timelines
- Mitigate risks associated with large-scale investments
Key Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in procurement or category management within manufacturing, packaging machinery, or industrial equipment
- Strong technical understanding of mechanical systems, automation, and production integration
- Experience working with OEMs and engineering suppliers
- Track record in CAPEX procurement and contract negotiation
- Knowledge of value engineering, reverse engineering, and cost modelling
- Strong analytical and project management skills
Qualifications
- Background in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or similar
- Professional certifications (e.g. CIPS, Six Sigma) are advantageous
About You
- Technically curious with a strong innovation mindset
- Commercially astute with strategic thinking capability
- Confident working cross-functionally with engineering and operations
- Detail-oriented and structured in your approach
- Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
What’s on Offer
- Opportunity to shape machinery strategy within a growing organisation
- Exposure to cutting-edge technologies and innovation projects
- Collaborative environment across procurement, engineering, and operations
- Competitive salary and benefits package
If you’re looking to take ownership of a highly technical category and make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you.
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