Group Category Manager

As our new Group Category Manager
, you will lead a portfolio of strategic raw materials, building strong supplier relationships and category strategies that support Scott Bader’s growth, supply security, profitability and cash flow.

Working within our global supply chain, you will drive group-wide procurement savings and lowest total cost, delivering benefits through cost reduction, working capital improvement, supplier optimisation and strong cost control.

• Develop and deliver 3–5 year global category strategies aligned to business plans, securing stakeholder buy-in and driving standardisation, supply security, profitability and cash flow.
• Act as category expert, maintaining deep market and supply chain knowledge to provide forward pricing, availability forecasts and insights on risks, trends and business impact.
• Lead supplier strategy and commercial negotiations, building strong, ethical and compliant supplier relationships and formal agreements that support growth, cost reduction and working capital improvement.
• Partner closely with cross-functional stakeholders (Operations, R&T, Supply Chain, QA, S&OP, NPD/NPI) to align procurement strategy, manage risks, resolve escalations and embed Procurement early in projects.
• Drive procurement excellence through spend and budget analysis, SRM tools, compliance with EHS, QA and sustainability standards, and active contribution to team performance and continuous improvement.

• Proven category management and purchasing experience in a fast-paced, international manufacturing environment preferably chemicals or pharma industries, including contracts and strategy development (CIPS would be a bonus).
• Solid knowledge of procurement best practice, supply chain processes, TCO principles and key cost drivers.
• Advanced Excel skills with strong ERP/MRP and data analysis capability.
• Strong communication, negotiation and influencing skills, effective across all levels and cultures.
• Willingness to travel internationally (up to 20%).

• A competitive salary alongside inclusion into our company bonus scheme. Our Group Staff Bonus & Profit Performance Pay bonus scheme reinforces the Scott Bader principle of working together for a common goal and sharing in our successes.
• Enhanced employer pension contribution whereby Scott Bader will contribute a maximum of 2x your contribution, up to a maximum of 10%.
• Private medical insurance alongside a host of further discounts and employee benefit schemes
• 25 days annual leave entitlement plus Bank Holidays – We also offer the opportunity to purchase an additional 5 day’s annual leave in case you need a couple of extra days.
• We offer all our employees one full day per year to complete volunteering work of your choice which is fully paid. Alongside this, if you are thinking about fundraising for your favourite charity or local community event, we will happily match the funds that you have raised up to a maximum of £1000 in any one year.
• Our Head Office sits within 44 acres of Northamptonshire countryside, nestled within the village of Wollaston. Access to free onsite car parking, electric car charging points, discounted cafeteria and even an onsite swimming pool.

Scott Bader is an employee-owned global manufacturer of advanced composites, structural adhesives and functional polymers. Established in 1921, we have a century of expertise in manufacturing high-quality, innovative products for a variety of markets around the world. Scott Bader now employs 800 people across 7 manufacturing sites and 18 offices worldwide.

We are committed to expanding our global reach, with recent ventures including North America, India, Japan and Australia, while continuing to build on our reputation for innovation, outstanding quality and technical expertise.

Scott Bader is different to most other companies. Our business is based on the simple principle of maintaining a balance between our social purpose and business needs. In 1951 we became the first UK company to hold a Common Ownership Certificate when the Bader family handed over their shares to The Scott Bader Commonwealth Limited – in simple terms, this means that Scott Bader colleagues own and are responsible for the success and overall wellbeing of the company.

Our aim is to create an environment that is welcoming to all people, and ensures we treat each other and customers with respect. We appreciate different and fresh ways of thinking, encouraging innovation where colleagues feel they can express their views freely, and create a working atmosphere in which everyone is able to deliver a high-quality service.