Indirect Procurement Category Manager

Our client, a leading organisation within the manufacturing sector, is seeking an experienced Indirect Procurement Category Manager to take ownership of strategic sourcing across all non-production categories.

Overview

Indirect Procurement Category Manager Location: Stockport Sector: Manufacturing Type: Permanent Salary: £60-70k & Benefits

This is a key role within a complex and fast-paced environment, ideal for an experienced procurement professional who is confident managing supplier relationships, driving performance, and delivering value through effective category management.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing category strategies, leading supplier engagement, and ensuring strong governance and risk management across the indirect spend portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Developing and executing strategic category plans across indirect procurement areas, aligned with business objectives.
• Leading supplier relationship management, contract performance, KPI tracking, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Conducting detailed spend and market analysis to identify opportunities for cost optimisation and process efficiency.
• Establishing and maintaining effective procurement processes across OPEX and CAPEX categories.
• Implementing supplier segmentation, performance management, and governance frameworks to ensure reliability and value creation.
• Driving collaboration across stakeholder groups to ensure early procurement engagement and alignment.
• Providing leadership and guidance to the procurement team within the indirect category area.

Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will be a strategic and commercially minded procurement professional with proven experience at category manager level.
• Strong analytical ability, sound judgement, and excellent stakeholder management skills.
• Proven experience within procurement at category management level.
• Strong background in indirect procurement (for example, professional services, IT, facilities, or MRO).
• Excellent negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Ability to present complex data and commercial recommendations clearly and confidently.
• Strong organisational skills, able to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and able to work independently.
• Degree or MCIPS qualification.
• Experience within manufacturing or highly regulated environments.

Additional Information

This is an excellent opportunity to join a respected organisation within the manufacturing sector that offers genuine career progression, professional development and the chance to contribute to strategic procurement transformation.

To apply, please send your CV or contact us in confidence for an initial discussion.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates.

About the job

Contract Type: Permanent

Specialism: Procurement & Supply Chain

Focus: Purchasing / Procurement

Industry: Purchasing and Procurement

Workplace Type: On-site

Experience Level: Senior Management

Location: Manchester