Category Manager- Engineering & Construction

Huntress; Langstone; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a strategic Category Manager with deep expertise in Engineering and Construction to lead sourcing initiatives. The successful candidate will manage budget and procurement strategies, ensuring best practices while collaborating with business leaders. Applicants should have a proven track record in Category Management, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects effectively. The role offers a salary of £55,000-£66,000 and a hybrid working model.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Category Management specifically within the Engineering and Construction sectors.
• Demonstrated success in managing multiple work streams simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of category-specific strategies.
• Manage all commercial activities to optimize value.
• Oversee the Engineering and Construction budget.
• Refine and update procurement best practices.
• Partner with business leaders to implement sourcing plans.

Skills

Category Management experience

Commercial data interpretation

High-level negotiation skills

Conflict resolution

Multi-stakeholder strategic sourcing

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a strategic Category Manager with deep expertise in Engineering and Construction to spearhead our sourcing initiatives. In this role, you will be instrumental in defining procurement strategies across a varied project portfolio. You will oversee the entire supply chain process, leveraging market intelligence to challenge traditional methods and deliver creative, high‑value procurement solutions.

Team & Approach

Joining a collaborative and driven team, you will utilise agile methodologies to manage various work streams, prioritising tasks effectively to achieve measurable organisational impact.

Details

• Title: Category Manager
• Salary: £55,000-£66,000 DOE
• Contract: Permanent, Full‑time
• Location: Portsmouth, hybrid working (2‑3 days in the office per week)

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of category‑specific strategies, working closely with internal partners to define technical specifications and volume requirements.
• Manage all commercial activities to optimise value and reduce the Total Cost of Ownership throughout the procurement life cycle.
• Oversee the Engineering and Construction budget, mitigating strategic risks and ensuring financial efficiency.
• Refine and update procurement best practices, ensuring that workflows remain modern, efficient, and aligned with industry standards.
• Partner with business leaders to implement contracting and sourcing plans that support broader company goals.
• Reduce expenditure through demand aggregation, technical standardisation, and the active management of tail spend.
• Integrate external best practices and innovative supplier solutions into actionable business proposals.
• Foster transparent and professional communication channels with both internal departments and external vendors.
• Navigate complex utilities procurement regulations and statutory requirements to ensure full legal adherence.

What We Are Looking For

Experience & Skills

• Proven experience in Category Management specifically within the Engineering and Construction sectors.
• Proven ability to interpret complex commercial data and present findings clearly to diverse audiences.
• Skilled in high‑level negotiation, conflict resolution, and influencing key decision‑makers.
• Demonstrated success in managing multiple work streams simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience in multi‑stakeholder strategic sourcing and a history of hitting ambitious performance targets.

Personal Attributes

• Exceptional interpersonal skills.
• A self‑starter who thrives under pressure and is eager to expand their professional skill set.
• A commitment to continuous improvement and the ability to translate new ideas into practical results.

Recruitment Agency Information

Huntress Search Ltd acts as a Recruitment Agency in relation to all Permanent roles and as a Recruitment Business in relation to all Temporary roles.

EEO Statement

We practice a diverse and inclusive recruitment process that ensures equal opportunity for all we work with, irrespective of race, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, age or gender. As an organisation, we encourage applications from all backgrounds and will ensure measures are met when required, to allow a fair process throughout.

Right to Work

PLEASE NOTE: We can only consider applications from candidates who have the right to work in the UK.