Strategic Category Manager
Hybrid working (3 days onsite in Oxford, 2 days WFH)
Bonus (10-20% based on company and individual performance) | Private Healthcare | 6% Pension
Shape the Future of a High-Impact Global Supply Chain
Are you a commercially minded procurement professional who thrives on building robust sourcing strategies, developing supplier partnerships, and driving tangible business value?
We are seeking an ambitious Strategic Category Manager to join a growing procurement function and take ownership of critical direct supply chain categories. This is an outstanding opportunity to influence supplier strategy, mitigate risk, optimise cost, and ensure supply continuity across a technologically advanced manufacturing environment.
Strategic Category Manager
The Opportunity
As a Strategic Category Manager, you will lead the development and execution of category and sourcing strategies across a complex supply chain. Working closely with cross-functional stakeholders, you will play a pivotal role in strengthening supplier performance, improving service levels, reducing operational risk, and delivering sustainable commercial outcomes.
This is a highly visible role that combines strategic thinking with hands-on supplier and stakeholder management, offering genuine scope to make a lasting impact on business performance.
Strategic Category Manager
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement category sourcing strategies aligned to business objectives.
- Lead end-to-end procurement activities, including RFIs, RFQs, negotiations, and contract management.
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, driving performance across quality, cost, delivery, and risk measures.
- Monitor market and commodity trends to identify opportunities and mitigate supply chain challenges.
- Evaluate supplier portfolios through total cost of ownership analysis.
- Identify, assess, and onboard new suppliers to support business growth and resilience.
- Lead supplier performance reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ensure supplier compliance with business, regulatory, and commercial requirements.
- Collaborate closely with stakeholders across procurement, supply chain, manufacturing, and engineering functions.
Strategic Category Manager
About You
- Proven experience in procurement, purchasing, category management, or supply chain management
- Proven experience working within a manufacturing environment
- Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills
- Excellent negotiation and communication abilities
- A strategic mindset combined with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
- The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
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