Senior Category Manager

Rolls-Royce SMR; England; On-site; GBP 68,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in the UK is seeking a Senior Category Manager to lead procurement efforts for specialized materials required in building a powerplant. The role involves negotiating with suppliers, managing a team, and ensuring compliance with procurement practices. Candidates should have strong experience in category management and contracting. A salary between £68,000 and £85,000 is offered based on experience.

Benefits

Bonus – target opportunity 17%

Benefits Allowance – £5,000

Pension – 12% employer contributions

Private Medical Insurance – BUPA single cover

Life Assurance – 6x pensionable pay

£250 for home office purchases

Qualifications

• Track record of driving value for money.
• Experience in contract management and supplier relationships.
• High ethical standards and integrity in procurement practices.

Responsibilities

• Build strong supplier relationships and demonstrate market knowledge.
• Negotiate deals globally with the Head of Category.
• Ensure compliance with procurement practices.

Skills

Knowledge of complex category management

Proven experience in procurement

Strong negotiation skills

Construction or Manufacturing supply chain experience

Ability to engage with senior suppliers

Job description

Overview

We are Rolls-Royce SMR and we’re doing something that’s never been done before. We’re revolutionising an industry. This is a once-in-a-career opportunity for those excited by such a challenge. This is more than just a job; this is a legacy.

Role: Senior Category Manager. Reports to the Head of Category. We are recruiting for 4 Senior Category Managers (Production Services, Site Works, EC&I, and Power Generation). This role is responsible for procuring a category of specialised materials or services required in the build of a RR SMR powerplant using the principles of Category Management to source, manage, monitor and control the supply of direct materials or services. It is responsible for leading a small team to deliver across the core procurement process.

Locations: Derby, Manchester, Warrington. Employment type: Full-time. Salary: £68,000 – £85,000 (DOE). Closing date: 29/09/2025.

Responsibilities

In enacting this role the individual will:

• Build strong supplier relationships and demonstrate market knowledge.
• Leverage data and analytics to drive innovation and risk mitigation in their category.
• Negotiate deals for the business globally in conjunction with the Head of Category.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team integrated with the business.
• Ensure all procurement practices comply with legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements and are sustainable across the product lifecycle.

Key Results & Achievements

• Delivery on time and to cost of direct goods and services within their category for RR SMR fleet.
• Demonstrate value for money and cost saving across the product lifecycle and fleet deployment.
• Establish a robust, collaborative and capable supply base that supports business objectives such as localisation.
• Demonstrate compliance with legal, regulatory, ethical and sustainable requirements.
• Implementation of all of the above.

Culture & Diversity

At Rolls-Royce SMR, we are committed to ensuring that our teams reflect the communities we serve and that everyone can be themselves at work. We know that diverse teams are more innovative and get better results, and that our people can thrive and be more successful in inclusive cultures. Join us and help shape our culture.

Key Selection Criteria

• Knowledge of complex category management and procurement with a track record of driving value for money and supporting business outcomes.
• Proven experience in procurement activity, contract management, and supplier relationship management.
• Strong negotiation skills and strategic thinking with a data-led decision-making approach.
• Construction or Manufacturing supply chain experience.
• Ability to engage with senior levels within suppliers and present work at a senior RR SMR level; high ethical standards and integrity in procurement practices.

Safety & Compliance

Due to safety regulations within the nuclear industry, applicants will be required to participate in additional screening, including:

• Obtaining Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance.
• DBS check.
• Basic financial probity check.

Pay & Benefits

Salary: £68,000 – £85,000 dependent on experience. Bonus and benefits are as follows:

• Bonus – Short Term Incentive – performance-based, target opportunity 17%.
• Benefits Allowance – £5,000 to create a bespoke package.
• Pension – 12% employer and 6% employee contributions.
• Holidays – 28 days plus public holidays, with ability to buy or sell up to 4 days.
• Private Medical Insurance – BUPA single cover.
• Life Assurance – 6x pensionable pay.
• £250 one-off payment for new starters for home office purchases.

Company

Rolls-Royce SMR is a rare employer that blends the Rolls-Royce brand with a challenging start-up mission. We are building a company with a pace and energy that invites you to contribute meaningfully to a sustainable future. Our culture emphasises strengths-based development and opportunities to grow beyond traditional roles.

Our Mission & Impact

Each Rolls-Royce SMR power station will have the capacity to generate 470MW of low-carbon energy, providing baseload generation for at least 60 years and supporting renewable generation expansion.