Senior Category Manager

Location: Leicestershire, UK

Salary: In the region of £65,000 - £80,000, depending on experience

W Talent is delighted to be partnering with a leading automotive OEM located in the heart of Leicestershire. Our client is at the forefront of innovation, producing world-class vehicles that set industry standards for quality and performance. They are seeking an experienced Category Manager with team management experience to manage one of their key categories and teams therein.

If you have a passion for the automotive industry and a track record of success in OEM, electronics, aerospace or other relevant sectors please don't hesitate to get in touch!

Brief overview:

As Category Manager, you will take ownership of your specific category within the procurement portfolio. This role is ideal for a seasoned professional who wants to grow their team management experience while contributing to a truly outstanding product and brand.

Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Develop, implement, and manage category strategies that align with overall business goals and objectives
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Category Buyers, fostering a high-performance culture and ensuring continuous professional development
• Manage full end-to-end strategic supplier identification, vetting, onbaording and management
• Collaborate closely with engineering, production, and quality teams to ensure alignment with procurement strategies and operational requirements
• Drive cost-saving initiatives while maintaining or improving product quality and lead times
• Monitor supplier performance and console escalations should they arrise
• Present category performance, sourcing strategies, and market insights to senior management, making data-driven recommendations for improvement

Required Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience as a senior Procurement specialist within the automotive, electronics, aerospace or other relevant manufacturing industries
• Previous experience working for an OEM is highly desirable
• Previous team management or leadership experience essential
• Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills
• In-depth understanding of strategic procurement processes
• Strong ERP systems and Excel is essential
• CIPS qualification ideal

Must hold a full UK right to work and be within a commutable distance of Leicester.

If this sounds like the career move you've been looking for and you have the experience required, please don't hesitate to apply. We look forward to hearing from you!