Indirect Procurement Category Manager

Leonardo S.p.A.; Yeovil; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus scheme

Hybrid working

Flexible benefits

Pension scheme

Job summary

Leonardo UK is seeking an experienced Indirect Procurement Category Manager to lead strategic sourcing across manpower, engineering and logistics services within a fast-paced aerospace environment. You will manage end-to-end procurement activities, supplier evaluation, contract negotiations and performance reviews, partnering with internal stakeholders across operations, engineering and finance.

The role offers hybrid working in the UK with a competitive salary and benefits package, including

Qualifications

• Experience in a Procurement Category Manager or Senior Buyer role within complex operational environments.
• Experience managing manpower, freight/logistics and professional services categories.
• Strong supplier negotiation and contract management skills for high-value suppliers.
• Previous people management or team leadership experience preferred.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills across levels.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement procurement strategies for indirect and operational spend.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing activities: RFQs, RFPs, supplier evaluation and selection, contract negotiation.
• Manage supplier relationships to ensure service excellence and cost competitiveness.
• Lead supplier performance reviews using KPIs and SLAs and drive continuous improvement.
• Support procurement governance, compliance, and risk management, including team development where applicable.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

People leadership

Commercial acumen

Analytical thinking

Education

MCIPS (preferred)

Degree in Procurement or related

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Coupa

Job description

## Indirect Procurement Category ManagerApplylocations: GB - Yeovil - Lysander Rd: GB - Edinburgh: GB - Bristol - Coldharbour Lanetime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: R0030692**Job Description:***Salary Range: £60,000 - £80,000**Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.***Your Impact**We are seeking a commercially driven Procurement Category Manager to lead the strategic sourcing and category management of complex spend areas, mainly related to manpower, engineering and logistics services. You will combine strong supplier management and negotiation capabilities with proven people leadership experience and the ability to operate effectively within fast-paced aerospace engineering environment.This role is responsible for delivering value through strategic procurement initiatives, supplier performance management, cost optimisation, risk mitigation, and stakeholder engagement across Leonardo UK.**What you will do*** Develop and implement procurement strategies/plan for complex indirect and operational spend areas, including but not limited to + Manpower and contingent labour + Freight, Import/Export and Logistics services + Professional Services* Lead end-to-end sourcing activities including: + RFQs/RFPs + Supplier evaluation and selection + Contract negotiation + Commercial management* Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders across operations, engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and finance functions.* Manage strategic supplier relationships to ensure: + Service excellence + Cost competitiveness and Continuous improvement + Contract compliance and governance* Identify and deliver industrial cost-savings and value-creation opportunities while maintaining operational continuity and quality standards* Lead supplier performance reviews using KPIs and contractual service level agreements* Support procurement governance, compliance, and risk management activities* Potentially manage and develop procurement team members (direct reports), providing coaching, mentoring, and performance management* Drive procurement best practices and continuous improvement initiatives across the function* Ensure procurement activities align with company policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards**What you will bring:*** Experience in a Procurement Category Manager or Senior Buyer role within complex operational environments.* Significant experience managing challenging categories/results including but not limited to + Manpower and contingent labour + Freight, Import/Export and Logistics services + Professional Services* Demonstrated experience of supplier negotiation and contract management involving high-value or strategically important suppliers* Previous people management or team leadership experience* Strong stakeholder management and communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels* Excellent commercial acumen and analytical capability* Experience working within aerospace, engineering, manufacturing, or similarly regulated industries is highly desirable* Strong understanding of procurement processes, category management methodologies, and supplier performance management* Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment**It would be nice if you had:*** CIPS qualified or working towards MCIPS* Degree qualified in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related discipline* Experience using ERP or procurement systems such as SAP, Oracle, or CoupaThis is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.**Security Clearance**This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting**Why join us**At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.* **Time to Recharge:** Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.* **Secure your Future:** Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.* **Your Wellbeing Matters:** Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).* **Rewarding Performance**: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.* **Never Stop Learning**: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.* **Refer a friend:** Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.* **Tailored Perks**: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.* **Flexible working:** Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.Be part of something bigger - apply now!**Primary Location:**GB - Yeovil - Lysander Rd**Additional Locations:**GB - Bristol - Coldharbour Lane, GB - Edinburgh**Contract Type:**Permanent**Hybrid Working:**Hybrid