Global Category Manager

EMEA3 Recruitment; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

AMS is seeking a Global Category Manager for a 12-month contract based in Derby. The role is hybrid: three days onsite at the Derby facility and two days remote weekly.

You will lead category strategies for engineering test infrastructure, laboratory testing, and technology services, while delivering value through strategic sourcing and supplier management.

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
• MCIPS is desirable but not mandatory.
• Experience in Category Management, Strategic Sourcing or Procurement within engineering or technical environments.
• Familiarity with Coupa or similar procurement systems is useful.
• Strong stakeholder and supplier management capabilities.
• Proven track record of delivering cost savings and value.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead category, sourcing and supplier strategies.
• Lead complex negotiations and manage high-value contracts.
• Drive cost reduction and long-term value improvements.
• Manage strategic supplier relationships and performance.
• Partner with Engineering and Research & Test teams.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and regulations.
• Collaborate with global procurement teams to align sourcing.
• Support continuous improvement across the supply chain.

Skills

Category management

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Cost reduction

Ambiguity management

Education

Degree-qualified or equivalent experience

MCIPS desirable

Tools

Coupa

Job description

AMS is a global workforce solutions partner committed to creating inclusive, dynamic, and future-ready workplaces. We help organisations adapt, grow, and thrive in an ever-evolving world by building, shaping, and optimising diverse talent strategies.

Our Contingent Workforce Solution (CWS) is one way we support our clients. Acting as an extension of their recruitment teams, we connect them with skilled interim and temporary professionals, fostering workplaces where everyone can contribute and succeed.

On behalf of our globally respected client who develop cutting-edge technologies that deliver clean, safe and competitive solutions to meet the planet's vital power needs w e are looking for a Global Category Manager for a 12 month contract based in Derby.

Please note: this is a hybrid role in which you would be based at the clients' Derby facility 3 days per week and working remotely 2 days per week.

Job description - the role

Purpose of the role:

• Lead indirect procurement category strategies focused on engineering test infrastructure, laboratory testing and technology services.
• Deliver commercial value through strategic sourcing, supplier management and cost optimisation initiatives.
• Partner with engineering, research and test teams to ensure procurement solutions support business and programme requirements.

What you'll do:

• Develop and implement category, sourcing and supplier strategies.
• Lead complex commercial negotiations and manage high-value contracts.
• Drive cost reduction and long-term value improvement initiatives.
• Manage strategic supplier relationships and performance.
• Partner with internal stakeholders across Engineering and Research & Test functions.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, contractual obligations and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with global procurement teams to align category strategies and sourcing activities.
• Support continuous improvement and process optimisation across the supply chain.

The skills you’ll need:

• Experience in Category Management, Strategic Sourcing or Procurement within engineering, manufacturing or technical environments.
• Strong commercial acumen with expertise in complex contracts, change management clauses and multi-million-pound negotiations.
• Excellent stakeholder and supplier management skills.
• Proven track record delivering cost savings, value creation and sourcing outcomes.
• Ability to manage ambiguity, prioritise effectively and work across multiple stakeholders.
• Degree-qualified (or equivalent industry experience); MCIPS desirable.
• Familiarity with procurement systems such as Coupa is desirable.
• Experience supporting complex engineering programmes preferred.

Next steps

Wewill only accept workers operating via an Umbrella or PAYE engagement model.