Category Manager

Jonathan Lee Recruitment Ltd; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job description

Category Manager - Mechanical Parts, Assemblies & Systems

Location: Hybrid potential, HQ Cambridgeshire, with overseas travel

Industry: Advanced Assembly and engineering: serving multiple sectors.

Excellent salary, 25 days holiday plus option to buy more, enhanced pension, which increases after service. Bonus potential, private medical insurance.

The Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic and results-driven Category Manager to take ownership of mechanical components, assemblies, and systems within a global procurement function. The role is ideal for someone who thrives on complexity, enjoys driving meaningful change, and wants to play a key role in delivering best-in-class supply chain performance.

You'll be at the forefront of developing and executing sourcing strategies that ensure cost efficiency, quality, continuity of supply, and innovation while navigating the challenges of an international supplier base and evolving stakeholder needs.

Key Responsibilities

1. Develop and Deliver Strategy: Lead the creation and execution of robust category strategies, driving sourcing projects and improvement initiatives that align with business goals.
2. Supplier Management: Build and manage supplier relationships, lead performance reviews, negotiate commercial terms, and ensure ongoing alignment with operational needs.
3. Optimise the Supply Base: Identify, evaluate, and rationalise suppliers to build a resilient and agile supply network.
4. Drive Best Practice: Lead the implementation of sourcing, purchasing, and supplier management best practices across all sites.
5. Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Partner with internal stakeholders such as R&D, Product Management, and Operations to ensure alignment across the supply chain.
6. Risk and Compliance: Apply risk assessment, monitor compliance, and ensure contractual and regulatory obligations are met.

Expected Outcomes

1. A well-defined and implemented category strategy
2. Tangible cost savings, improved purchase price variances, and inventory reduction
3. Strong commercial agreements and supply continuity
4. An optimised and resilient supplier base
5. Clear KPIs and continuous improvement of procurement processes

About You

Degree qualified, ideally with a technical background; CIPS/MCIPS would be great.
Significant experience in strategic procurement within a technical or manufacturing environment
Strong knowledge of sourcing mechanical parts, assemblies, and systems-including low to mid-volume and bespoke components
Proven ability to negotiate complex contracts and manage supplier performance
Comfortable working across multiple functions, cultures, and geographies
Fluent in English with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

What's on Offer

1. A highly visible and impactful role within an international organisation
2. Opportunities to shape procurement strategy and drive innovation
3. A collaborative, cross-functional working environment
4. Flexible hybrid working arrangements
5. Professional growth and development opportunities

If you're a strategic thinker with a passion for procurement excellence and international supply networks, this role offers the perfect platform to make a real impact.

Your CV will be forwarded to Jonathan Lee Recruitment, a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978. The services advertised by Jonathan Lee Recruitment are those of an Employment Agency.