Job Description:

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.

If you have relevant experience in procurement, purchasing, supplier management, or category strategy and are looking for your next career opportunity apply today

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