Procurement Manager - Indirect Categories Job Details | Sulzer

Sulzer; Leeds; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering company in Leeds is seeking an experienced Procurement Manager to oversee indirect procurement with a focus on MRO. You will lead a team and implement category management strategies to achieve significant cost savings. The ideal candidate has a proven track record in procurement, excellent negotiation skills, and a strong understanding of stakeholder engagement. This role offers a competitive salary and various perks in a modern working environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary with personal bonus

33 days of annual leave

Defined contribution pension

Employee Assistance Program

Discounts on shopping and lifestyle

Free onsite parking

Flexible working hours

24/7 onsite gym

Qualifications

• Proven track record in indirect procurement emphasizing MRO.
• Experience in building category management capabilities.
• Success in delivering group-wide savings and supplier consolidation.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy, planning and execution for indirect categories.
• Manage and develop a high-performing procurement team.
• Identify and deliver group-wide cost savings.

Skills

Indirect procurement

Category management

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Professional procurement qualification (CIPS)

Relevant degree

Tools

ERP systems

e-procurement systems

Job description

FE_Energy-E262

Procurement Manager - Indirect Categories-Full Time-Leeds,United Kingdom

Sulzer is a leading engineering company with a proud heritage of innovation. Join our global team to grow your expertise and develop innovative solutions that enable a prosperous and more sustainable society.

Sulzer is a renowned leader in fluid engineering with a century-long tradition of excellence in pumps, agitators, compressors and critical rotating equipment across varied industries. This is a newly created opportunity at our Leeds site to lead indirect procurement with a primary focus on MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operations). You will build the category management function, recruit and develop your team, and deliver group-wide cost savings through strategic sourcing, supplier consolidation and rigorous cost analysis.

What we are looking for

We’re seeking a hands-on Procurement Manager who can take ownership of MRO as the largest indirect category while also managing other indirect spend (facilities, IT, services, professional services, MRO spares). You’ll provide a complete ‘helicopter view’ of indirect spend, implement category management frameworks, and execute deep-dive cost analysis that turns numbers into tangible, sustainable savings across the Group.

Main tasks & responsibilities

• Lead strategy, planning and execution for indirect categories with MRO as the priority area.
• Build and manage a high-performing procurement/category team: recruiting, coaching and developing capability.
• Design and implement category management (segmentation, supplier tiers, SRM, KPIs).
• Identify and deliver group-wide cost savings, consolidation and standardisation opportunities.
• Perform deep-dive cost and total cost of ownership analysis to inform sourcing decisions and business cases.
• Lead supplier selection, negotiation and contract management for key indirect suppliers.
• Monitor supplier performance, risk and sustainability initiatives; drive continuous improvement.
• Provide executive reporting and present the “big picture” and detailed analysis to senior stakeholders.

To succeed in this role, you will need

• Proven track record in indirect procurement with a strong emphasis on MRO in a manufacturing, engineering or heavy-industry environment.
• Experience building category management capabilities and hiring/managing a team.
• Demonstrable success delivering group-wide savings and supplier consolidation programmes.
• Excellent commercial & negotiation skills; comfortable leading high-value contracts.
• Outstanding stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to influence senior leaders.
• Experience with ERP/e-procurement systems and supplier performance frameworks.
• Professional procurement qualification (CIPS) or relevant degree desirable.

What we offer you

Sulzer Leeds is currently undergoing a huge modernisation and renovation project, creating a cutting-edge working environment designed for collaboration, innovation, and employee wellbeing. Joining us now means you’ll be part of an exciting transformation at one of Sulzer’s flagship UK facilities.

We offer:

• Competitive basic salary with a personal bonus scheme paid annually based on company and individual performance.
• 33 days of annual leave
• A defined contribution pension
• Confidential Employee Assistance Programmes and access to discounts on shopping, entertainment, and lifestyle.
• Opportunity to apply for a Costco membership for exclusive offers and discounted personal car leasing for you, your family, and friends.
• Long Service Awards to celebrate your contribution and continuous learning & development through Sulzer Learning Pathways.
• Free, secure onsite parking, including electric charging facilities, plus an onsite multi-faith prayer room.
• Flexible working hours to help you balance your work and personal life.
• A vibrant Sport & Social Club with prize draws, unforgettable outings, birthday surprises, and more.
• A 24/7 onsite gym, subsidised vending machines, and a canteen serving fresh hot and cold food to keep you energised.

Do you have a question about the role?

Reach out to Daniel Faulkner at [e-mail]. Our team is looking forward to hearing from you!

Sulzer is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in the strength of a diverse workforce and are committed to offering an inclusive work environment.

We are proud to be recognized as a Top Employer 2025 in Brazil, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, South Africa, the UK and the USA.