Head of Category

About the role

We are seeking a senior leader to head direct procurement category management within a complex manufacturing and engineering environment. The role will drive category strategy, deliver sustainable value, and manage supplier performance across the organisation.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies for direct spend, acting as the subject‑matter expert for the team.
• Identify, plan, and deliver savings, hard and soft benefits, and risk‑reduction initiatives.
• Oversee RFx processes, ensuring alignment with category strategies and effective supplier selection.
• Manage contract lifecycles, increase contracted spend, and resolve contractual issues.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships through segmentation, performance monitoring, and proactive risk management.
• Collaborate with commercial, design, engineering, planning, logistics, finance, legal and other stakeholders to align procurement activities with business priorities.
• Use data, analytics and continuous‑improvement methods to support decision‑making and long‑term performance.

Required profile

• Proven senior experience in category management, direct procurement or sourcing within manufacturing or engineering.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team and influence cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Strong commercial insight with a focus on delivering value and mitigating supply‑chain risk.
• Excellent contract and supplier management capabilities.

Required skills

What we offer

• Competitive salary package.
• Benefits package.
• Full‑time permanent role based in Plymouth.