Senior Category Manager Iron Ore

British Steel; Greater London; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Defined contribution pension

Health cash plan

Life Assurance

Car or car allowance

27 days annual leave

Job summary

British Steel is seeking a Senior Category Manager for Iron Ore to secure reliable supply and optimise total cost of ownership. You will lead large-scale negotiations with mining companies and traders, oversee long-term contracts, and monitor market dynamics to mitigate risk.

Based in Scunthorpe or London, you will drive supplier performance, manage stock levels, and ensure regulatory and sustainability compliance. A strong background in raw materials and strategic sourcing is essential.

Qualifications

• Degree in engineering, supply chain, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 5 years in procurement within heavy industry.
• Experience in raw materials procurement and contract negotiation.
• Knowledge of iron ore markets and pricing.
• Understanding of Incoterms and international trade.
• Strong supplier management and risk assessment.

Responsibilities

• Lead commercial negotiations with supplier; mining companies, traders to secure competitive pricing, contract terms, and long-term supply security.
• Manage long-term and spot purchasing agreements, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and company procurement policies.
• Monitor iron ore, freight, and steel industry markets to identify risks, opportunities, and cost-saving initiatives.
• Ensure continuity of supply by proactively managing supplier performance, stock levels, freight, and supply chain risks.
• Conduct supplier evaluations, benchmarking, and performance reviews covering cost, quality, delivery, sustainability, and operational capability.
• Assess and mitigate procurement risks related to market volatility, supplier concentration, geopolitical developments, and logistics disruptions.
• Ensure compliance with sustainability, responsible sourcing, regulatory, and corporate governance requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement in procurement processes, systems, and commercial practices to enhance business performance.

Skills

Procurement leadership

Strategic sourcing

Contract negotiation

Supplier relationship

Market intelligence

Risk management

Education

Engineering degree

Supply chain degree

Economics degree

Tools

Incoterms knowledge

Job description

Job Title: Senior Category Manager (Iron Ore)

Location: Scunthorpe or London

Salary: £60K plus

Hours: 36.5

Days: Mon-Fri

Purpose of the Role

This role is pivotal in securing a reliable, cost-effective and sustainable supply of iron ore and related raw materials. Supporting safe and efficient ironmaking operations, ensuring the required raw material quality, managing supply chain and market risks, and maximising Value in Use through strategic sourcing, supplier partnerships

Key Responsibilities

• Lead commercial negotiations with supplier; mining companies, traders to secure competitive pricing, contract terms, and long-term supply security.
• Manage long-term and spot purchasing agreements, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and company procurement policies.
• Monitor iron ore, freight, and steel industry markets to identify risks, opportunities, and cost-saving initiatives.
• Ensure continuity of supply by proactively managing supplier performance, stock levels, freight, and supply chain risks.
• Conduct supplier evaluations, benchmarking, and performance reviews covering cost, quality, delivery, sustainability, and operational capability.
• Assess and mitigate procurement risks related to market volatility, supplier concentration, geopolitical developments, and logistics disruptions.
• Ensure compliance with sustainability, responsible sourcing, regulatory, and corporate governance requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement in procurement processes, systems, and commercial practices to enhance business performance.

Candidate Profile

• Degree qualified in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, Economics, or a related discipline is desirable.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in procurement, supply chain, or raw materials purchasing within a heavy industrial, steelmaking, mining, or manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrable experience in raw materials procurement, contract negotiation, and supplier relationship management.
• Knowledge of iron ore markets, cost models, and steelmaking raw materials is desirable.
• Strong understanding of commodity markets, pricing mechanisms, and market risk management.
• Familiarity with dry bulk shipping and global seaborne commodity supply chains is desirable.
• Experience in market intelligence, forecasting, risk assessment, and contingency planning.
• Working knowledge of Incoterms and international trade principles.
• Proven capability in strategic sourcing, supplier evaluation, and supplier performance management.
• Understanding of stock management and supply chain optimisation principles.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and deliver value and working capital improvement opportunities.

What we can offer you

We know our employees are our greatest asset and alongside the great benefits packages we offer, we continue to invest in their careers by providing a huge range of training and development opportunities.

Benefits

• Defined contribution company pension scheme
• 27 personal annual leave days + statutory bank holidays
• Life Assurance
• A comprehensive Company sick pay scheme
• Health Cash Plan via our partnership with Simply health
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Standby and call-out payments
• Family friendly benefits including enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
• Car or car allowance
• Private Medical Care

What You Need To Know About Us

This is a rare opportunity to join British Steel at a defining moment in its history.

Following nationalisation, British Steel is embarking on a significant transformation journey with a clear ambition to improve performance, build capability and secure long-term success

We know our employees are our greatest asset and alongside the great benefits packages we offer, we continue to invest in their careers by providing a huge range of training and development opportunities.

British Steel is an armed forces friendly company, and we actively encourage applications from ex-Armed Forces Personnel, Reservists, Armed Forces Veterans and military spouses/partners