Procurement Manager - Category Procurement

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced Procurement Manager – Category to join our organisation and lead a high‑performing team responsible for driving best‑in‑class procurement practices across our direct materials categories. This role is ideal for a strategic thinker with strong leadership capability, deep category expertise, and a passion for delivering value, innovation, and operational excellence.

As the Procurement Manager – Category, you will provide direction, guidance, and leadership to our Category Procurement team. You will shape and execute category strategies, strengthen supplier partnerships, and ensure our procurement activities support organisational goals, regulatory requirements, and sustainability commitments.

This role plays a key part in our procurement transformation journey, including the strategic implementation of SAP ERP to enhance data integrity, process efficiency, and enterprise-wide integration.

• Lead, motivate, and mentor a team of category specialists.
• Set clear goals, monitor performance, and provide regular coaching and feedback.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and excellence.

• Develop and deliver comprehensive category strategies aligned with business objectives and ESG principles.
• Conduct market analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Establish and track KPIs to measure category performance and strategic impact.

• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to support business needs.
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify new suppliers through robust assessment processes.
• Drive supplier‑led innovation, continuous improvement, and value creation.

• Lead negotiations to secure competitive pricing, favourable terms, and robust contractual protections.
• Ensure contracts meet legal, regulatory, and quality system requirements.
• Monitor contract performance and resolve issues promptly.

• Identify and execute cost‑saving initiatives without compromising quality or service.
• Track, report, and communicate savings achieved through negotiation, consolidation, and process improvements.

• Conduct supply chain risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies.
• Monitor supplier performance to ensure compliance with contractual and quality standards.
• Implement contingency plans to safeguard supply continuity.

• Work closely with operations, finance, marketing, legal, and other internal stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively to align procurement strategies with business needs and provide regular updates.

• Ensure adherence to procurement policies, procedures, and regulatory frameworks.
• Maintain compliance with ISO 13485, 21 CFR Part 820, MDSAP, MDD (93/42/EEC), MDR (EU 2017/745), and other applicable quality systems.
• Address QMS actions promptly, ensuring timely completion on the Single Action Tracker (SAT).

• Promote a strong safety culture and safe working environment.
• Ensure compliance with all EHS requirements and maintain relevant competencies.
• Support risk assessments, incident reporting, and hazard mitigation activities.

• Lead the strategic implementation of SAP ERP within the procurement function.
• Ensure alignment with category management objectives and enterprise‑wide integration goals.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, or related field (CIPS preferred).
• Minimum five years’ experience in procurement, category management, or strategic sourcing, ideally within a regulated environment.
• Proven track record in developing and executing category strategies.
• Strong leadership experience with the ability to inspire and develop teams.

• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and conduct market research.
• Strong negotiation and contract management capability.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder‑management skills.
• Proficiency in procurement tools (e‑sourcing, contract management, spend analytics).
• Ability to work independently across multiple locations and manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

You’ll be joining a forward‑thinking organisation committed to excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement. You’ll have the opportunity to shape procurement strategy, influence business outcomes, and lead a talented team in a role that offers both challenge and reward.