Indirect Category Lead – Procurement

About the role

We are partnering with a leading manufacturing organisation to find an experienced Indirect Category Lead. You will own a diverse indirect spend portfolio, shaping strategy and delivering measurable cost savings across the business.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for all indirect spend categories.
• Lead sourcing, tendering, supplier selection and contract negotiations.
• Deliver cost‑saving and value‑creation initiatives with clear KPIs.
• Manage supplier performance, service levels and commercial relationships.
• Ensure regulatory, contractual and procurement compliance.
• Support both CAPEX and OPEX procurement activities.
• Collaborate with Facilities, HR, Legal, Finance, Engineering, Manufacturing and Supply Chain stakeholders.
• Identify and mitigate supplier and supply‑chain risks.
• Drive continuous improvement of procurement processes and systems.

Required profile

• Proven indirect procurement or category‑management experience in manufacturing, engineering or a complex operational environment.
• Strong commercial, sourcing and contract‑management expertise.
• Track record of delivering savings and supplier‑performance improvements.
• Analytical, data‑driven decision‑making approach.
• Experience managing CAPEX and OPEX spend.
• CIPS qualification (or working towards it) is desirable.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and change‑management skills.

Required skills

What we offer

• Significant autonomy and ownership of a high‑profile procurement function.
• Opportunity to influence business‑wide procurement strategy.
• Competitive salary, bonus and long‑term career development.