Strategic Category Manager

Strategic Category Manager

Hybrid working (3 days onsite in Oxford, 2 days WFH)

Bonus (10-20% based on company and individual performance) | Private Healthcare | 6% Pension

Shape the Future of a High-Impact Global Supply Chain

Are you a commercially minded procurement professional who thrives on building robust sourcing strategies, developing supplier partnerships, and driving tangible business value?

We are seeking an ambitious Strategic Category Manager to join a growing procurement function and take ownership of critical direct supply chain categories. This is an outstanding opportunity to influence supplier strategy, mitigate risk, optimise cost, and ensure supply continuity across a technologically advanced manufacturing environment.

Strategic Category Manager

The Opportunity

As a Strategic Category Manager, you will lead the development and execution of category and sourcing strategies across a complex supply chain. Working closely with cross-functional stakeholders, you will play a pivotal role in strengthening supplier performance, improving service levels, reducing operational risk, and delivering sustainable commercial outcomes.

This is a highly visible role that combines strategic thinking with hands-on supplier and stakeholder management, offering genuine scope to make a lasting impact on business performance.

Strategic Category Manager

Key Responsibilities

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• Develop and implement category sourcing strategies aligned to business objectives.
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• Lead end-to-end procurement activities, including RFIs, RFQs, negotiations, and contract management.
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• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, driving performance across quality, cost, delivery, and risk measures.
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• Monitor market and commodity trends to identify opportunities and mitigate supply chain challenges.
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• Evaluate supplier portfolios through total cost of ownership analysis.
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• Identify, assess, and onboard new suppliers to support business growth and resilience.
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• Lead supplier performance reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
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• Ensure supplier compliance with business, regulatory, and commercial requirements.
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• Collaborate closely with stakeholders across procurement, supply chain, manufacturing, and engineering functions.
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Strategic Category Manager

About You

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• Proven experience in procurement, purchasing, category management, or supply chain management
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• Proven experience working within a manufacturing environment
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• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills
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• Excellent negotiation and communication abilities
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• A strategic mindset combined with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
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• The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
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