Group Category Manager - Electronic Systems and Software

James Fisher and Sons plc; Barrow-in-Furness; Remote; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car Allowance

Private Medical Insurance

Life Assurance

Cycle to work scheme

Company Pension

Job summary

James Fisher and Sons plc is seeking a Group Category Manager for Electronic Systems & Software to drive a strategic portfolio including software, advanced electronics, embedded systems and digital technologies. The role is UK-based with remote work and national travel, partnering with Engineering, IT and Defence teams to deliver commercial value and innovation.

You will build and optimise supplier ecosystems, renew and standardise key agreements, and align procurement with technology roadmaps

Qualifications

• Experience in procurement and category management within technology, software or engineering environments.
• Strong contract negotiation skills, including software licences, SaaS and technology agreements.
• Proven ability to develop category strategies, optimise supplier bases and deliver commercial value.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the Group Electronic Systems & Software category strategy with a clear roadmap for supplier, contract and commercial improvements.
• Consolidate and optimise the supplier base, reducing complexity and improving commercial outcomes.
• Strengthen contract management by renewing, standardising and enhancing key supplier agreements.
• Establish robust supplier relationship management (SRM) frameworks, driving performance and accountability.
• Partner with Engineering, Product Development and Defence teams to anticipate future technology requirements and build a capable, future-ready supply base.
• Engage key stakeholders to align procurement strategies with business objectives and technology roadmaps.
• Deliver measurable cost savings, value improvements and supply chain efficiencies.
• Ensure procurement activity complies with Group policies, governance standards and delegated authorities.

Skills

Procurement

Category management

Contract negotiation

Stakeholder influence

Technology roadmaps alignment

Education

Degree educated

CIPS qualifications

World Commerce & Contracting qualifications desirable

Job description

Group Category Manager – Electronic Systems & Software
Full-Time, Permanent
UK, Remote with travel

About the Role

The Role:

Drive the technology behind tomorrow’s innovations. As Group Category Manager - Electronic Systems & Software, you’ll lead a portfolio spanning software, advanced electronics, embedded systems and digital technologies.

Partnering with Engineering, Product Development and IT teams, you’ll build the supplier ecosystem that powers next-generation AI-enabled solutions, delivering commercial value, innovation and lasting impact across James Fisher and Sons.

The role can be based anywhere in the UK and will require national as well as occasional internation travel.

What you’ll be doing:

• Develop and deliver the Group Electronic Systems & Software category strategy with a clear roadmap for supplier, contract and commercial improvements.
• Consolidate and optimise the supplier base, reducing complexity and improving commercial outcomes.
• Strengthen contract management by renewing, standardising and enhancing key supplier agreements.
• Establish robust supplier relationship management (SRM) frameworks, driving performance and accountability.
• Partner with Engineering, Product Development and Defence teams to anticipate future technology requirements and build a capable, future-ready supply base.
• Engage key stakeholders to align procurement strategies with business objectives and technology roadmaps.
• Deliver measurable cost savings, value improvements and supply chain efficiencies.
• Ensure procurement activity complies with Group policies, governance standards and delegated authorities.

What we’re looking for:

• Experience in procurement, category management or commercial roles within technology, software or engineering environments.
• Strong contract negotiation skills, including software licences, SaaS and technology agreements.
• Proven ability to develop category strategies, optimise supplier bases and deliver commercial value.
• Skilled at influencing stakeholders across Engineering, IT, Finance and Legal functions.
• Experience aligning procurement activity with technology roadmaps and future business needs.
• Knowledge of advanced electronics, embedded software or defence-related supply chains is desirable.
• Degree educated, with CIPS and/or World Commerce & Contracting qualifications desirable.

Why join us?

• Competitive salary and benefits package aligned with experience (Car Allowance, Private Medical Insurance, Life Assurance, Cycle to work scheme, Company Pension, etc.)
• Clear pathways for career development and organisational visibility.
• Inclusive and supportive culture that values individual contributions.
• Meaningful work with impact across safety, innovation, and global operations.

About Us:

James Fisher is a global engineering services company with over 50 years of experience delivering complex offshore energy projects in some of the world’s most challenging environments. We operate across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport, leveraging cutting‑edge technology and deep expertise to support the full lifecycle of our customers’ assets.

Our One James Fisher strategy unites our capabilities under a single vision, building a stronger, more cohesive business within the Blue Economy.

Visit our website at: Home | James Fisher and Sons plc
For more information about our values and behaviours, follow the link: About us | James Fisher and Sons plc

Due to the volume of applications, we receive for our vacancies, on occasion applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.

At James Fisher and Sons, we are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success is driven by the talent and diversity of our workforce. To support an accessible and inclusive recruitment experience in the UK, we partner with Vercida. You can learn more about our approach by visiting our company page: James Fisher and Sons diversity, inclusion, culture - VERCIDA