Category Manager

Title: Category Manager / Commercial Pricing ManagerLocation: ManchesterSalary: £37,000 - £45,000The ClientOur client are a specialist industrial supply partner supporting major UK utilities, defence, telecoms, and engineering organisations. They are looking to add an experienced Category Manager / Commercial Pricing Manager to their team.The role of Category Manager / Commercial Pricing ManagerThis is an office based role where you will play a crucial role in developing and implementing effective pricing strategies across the company. Your expertise will help us execute our pricing strategy, make informed price recommendations, and support key sales decisions. You will also coordinate pricing activities, develop and maintain pricing analysis and reports, and ensure consistent and competitive pricing to maximise profitability.Role ObjectivesAchieve best-in-market pricing and supply arrangements for major lines and contracts.Build and maintain extensive strategic sourcing intelligence over multi-year contract cycles.Expand and diversify the supplier base in key product segments to reduce risk and maximise leverage.Key ResponsibilitiesSupplier Pricing & NegotiationLead strategic pricing negotiations to secure best-possible commercial outcomes for key lines that drive contract value and profitability.Leverage volume, bundling, and alternative sourcing options to strengthen competitive positioning.Validate and benchmark supplier costings to support accurate and competitive bid pricing.Build strong, long-term supplier relationships to maximise influence and future leverage.Pre-Tender Intelligence & Pricing StrategyImplement the pre-tender pricing analysis process, working ahead of re-tendering opportunities.Provide detailed market insights, supplier pricing and risk analysis, contributing to senior-level bid/no-bid decisions.Track detailed market and supplier data for future tender cycles, supporting multi-year commercial planning.Strategic Research & Market IntelligenceEvaluate supplier capability, product breadth, innovation potential, and value-added services.Build and maintain a long-term intelligence database to support multi-year tender strategies.Travel nationally and internationally to exhibitions, trade fairs, supplier facilities, and industry events to gather market intelligence and build new supplier connections.Skills & Experience Required for the Category Manager / Contract Pricing ManagerEssentialProven negotiation skills with experience achieving significant commercial outcomes.Experience in category, pricing, commercial and procurement related responsibilities.Strong analytical capability with experience conducting complex pricing and market research.Background supporting large commercial tenders or complex proposals.Excellent relationship-building skills with both internal and external stakeholders.High attention to detail and the ability to maintain long-term data records.Willingness and ability to travel nationally and internationally.What's on Offer:Competitive Salary25 Days HolidayPension SchemeMonday to Friday 8:30 - 17:00Onsite ParkingProfessional DevelopmentCollaborative TeamExciting Growth PotentialKeywords: Pricing Manager, Product Category Manager, Category Manager, PricingBowdon Associates is a member of the Guild of Quality Employment Agencies and has agreed to adopt the compliance and recruitment standards that form the basis their code of conduct. A quality, transparent and responsible recruitment agency committed to raising the industry standards.TPBN1_UKTJ