Category Manager

Category Manager

Chelmsford area

Salary Negotiable

Our client, a leading innovator in its sector, is seeking a commercially minded Category Manager to support new product development, strategic procurement, and supplier performance from initial concept through to product end-of-life. This opportunity offers international exposure, cross-functional collaboration, and the chance to influence purchasing strategies, cost efficiencies, and product innovation within a growing global business.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage forward sourcing activities and develop effective purchasing strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Conduct cost analysis, support price modelling, and identify opportunities for cost reduction and value engineering.
• Lead supplier enquiries, commercial negotiations, and early supplier engagement for new product development projects.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to support quality, cost, delivery, and project requirements.
• Maintain accurate SAP and ERP master data, support make-or-buy assessments and prepare project reports and documentation.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and other stakeholders to support product launches and production ramp-up.
• Coordinate sourcing activities throughout the product lifecycle, including phase-out and end-of-life planning.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, supply chain efficiency, and procurement performance.

Skills and Experience

• Degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Business, Procurement, or a related discipline.
• Experience in category management, strategic purchasing, sourcing, supply chain operations, or project procurement.
• Background in new product introduction, supplier development, or manufacturing environments.
• Strong technical knowledge, ideally involving mechanical components or manufacturing processes.
• Commercial awareness with proven analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience using SAP, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with international stakeholders.
• Fluent English, with flexibility to travel when required.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary negotiable depending on experience.
• Monday to Friday, 8:00 am-4:30 pm.
• 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Company pension scheme.
• Free on-site parking.
• Employee wellbeing services and social events.
• Career development opportunities within an expanding organisation.

Important:

• Applicants requiring visa sponsorship, either now or in the future, cannot be considered for this vacancy.