Job Description

**INTERVIEW SLOTS AVAILABLE W/C 19TH & 26TH JAN**
Vickerstock are working in partnership with a Heavy Manufacturing compayon the appointment of a Category Lead on a full-time permanent basis (40 hours). Our client are renowned for producing top quality machinery selling to a global customer base. 2026 is a year full of growth and potential for our client, so this is an excellent chance to get on board to drive a key category for the business.
As the Category Lead, you will implement effective category strategies that deliver measurable cost savings, improved quality and enhanced supply chain resilience across critical components and services. The role plays a key part in aligning procurement activity to business objectives, unlocking value through strategic sourcing, strong supplier partnerships and continuous improvement.
Benefits Include:

• Hybrid: 2 days from home from month 2
• Pension - Employer 7%/ Employee minimum of 5%
• Life Assurance - 6 times salary
• Discretionary bonus scheme 10% based on business performance
• 33 days annual leave - 25 + 8 stats
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay.

Duties in the Category Lead role include:

• Develop, own and execute robust category strategies across assigned spend areas including (but not limited to) metal fabrications, hydraulics, electrical components and vehicle or machine parts.
• Lead end-to-end supplier management activities within your categories, encompassing contract negotiation, change management, pricing and payment queries, supplier classification and ongoing supplier relationship management.
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key strategic suppliers to drive performance improvements, innovation, quality, service and full commercial and regulatory compliance.
• Proactively identify and deliver cost reduction and value creation opportunities, taking a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) approach through strategic sourcing initiatives, process improvements and close supplier collaboration.
• Act as the primary escalation point for all supply-related issues within your category, working cross-functionally to resolve challenges quickly and ensure uninterrupted production and operational continuity.
• Take ownership of design changes and special or one-off parts, including re-specification, cost validation and supplier engagement.
• Manage and track design change implementation to ensure continuity of supply and accurate transition of parts into production.

What you will need to succeed:

• Demonstrable experience in a strategic procurement position
• Experience within manufacturing, engineering, aerospace or automotive industries.

Advantageous:

• Experience in areas such as metal fabrications, hydraulics, electrical components or vehicle machine parts.
• CIPS Qualification (ideally Level 4 or working towards).
• Ability to travel internationally to visit suppliers

For a confidential conversation on how Vickerstock can help support you with your next move, get in touch with our supply chain consultant Michael Irwin today!

Skills Required