Category Manager

Triumph Consultants Ltd; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an experienced Category Manager to drive strategic sourcing and supplier management. This role involves developing and implementing category strategies that align with business objectives, ensuring commercial efficiency while maintaining strong supplier relationships. The ideal candidate will have a robust background in contract negotiation and risk management, particularly within a manufacturing context. This position offers some hybrid working arrangements, allowing for flexibility while ensuring effective collaboration with local suppliers. Join a forward-thinking team committed to diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as a Category Manager required.
• Strong understanding of category methodologies and contract management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies aligned with business goals.
• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives and manage supplier performance.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Supplier relationship management

Contract negotiation

Risk management

Category methodologies

Education

CIPS certification

Job description

We’re looking for an experienced Category Manager to develop and implement category strategies that balance long- and short-term objectives, delivering both commercial efficiency and strategic alignment. You’ll need a strong grasp of strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, and contract negotiation—ideally within a manufacturing environment.

Some hybrid working including visits to local suppliers.

Key Accountabilities:

• Develop and implement category strategies aligned with business goals and stakeholder needs.
• Lead and support strategic sourcing initiatives, including RFx processes, supplier evaluation, negotiation, and contract handover.
• Drive supplier performance through KPI and SLA monitoring, ensuring compliance and securing compensation for non-compliance.
• Support supplier relationship management, including segmentation, risk identification, and performance reviews.
• Ensure alignment with preferred supplier lists and category methodologies.

Key Requirements:

• 5+ years of experience as a Category Manager.
• Strong understanding of category methodologies and contract management.
• Proven experience in supplier negotiation and risk management.
• Knowledge of terms and conditions and ability to negotiate them.
• Strategic sourcing and tender creation/evaluation expertise.
• Experience in creating and implementing category strategies.
• Desirable: Manufacturing background, public sector experience, CIPS certification, or Defence/Nuclear industry knowledge.

DV highly desirable; candidates with active DV clearance will be fast-tracked.

Should you require reasonable adjustments at any point during the recruitment process or if there is a more accessible way for us to communicate, please do let us know.

If you consider yourself to have a disability or if you are a veteran, and you meet the essential criteria for the role, you will be put forward for the ‘Guaranteed Interview’ scheme whereby you will have the opportunity to discuss this role and your suitability with a member of the Sourcing team.

As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we provide the best talent and encourage all applications regardless of background, in line with our commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion.