Category Manager - Capex And Engineering Services

The Category Manager – Capex & Engineering Services is responsible for defining and leading the strategic direction of the category in alignment with the company’s broader procurement and business objectives. The strategy is built around four core pillars: negotiating long-term framework agreements, supplier and demand consolidation, cost optimisation and value creation, and contribution to group-wide strategic initiatives.

The Category Manager acts as a subject matter expert within their domain, driving best practices and cross-functional collaboration to deliver commercial, operational, and risk management benefits.

This position is ideally suited for a strategically minded, results-driven procurement leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about shaping and delivering long-term category value.

Key Accountabilities

• Category Strategy Ownership
• Lead the definition and execution of the long-term strategy for the Capex & Engineering Services, aligned with group-level objectives, business needs, and market dynamics.
• Apply strategic sourcing methodologies to identify consolidation opportunities, supplier development needs, innovation pathways, and risk mitigation measures.
• Leverage data analytics, benchmarking, and market intelligence to maintain a forward-looking, value-driven category roadmap.
• Translate strategic intent into clear sourcing plans and operational outcomes with measurable business value.
• Leadership and Capability Development
• Inspire, develop, and manage high-performing team members within the category domain.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Act as a mentor and subject matter expert within the Procurement function, supporting talent development and knowledge transfer.
• Champion safety, ethics, and compliance standards across the team and supplier interactions.
• Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)
• Oversee complex sourcing initiatives and drive execution of RFx processes, supplier selection, and commercial negotiation in alignment with strategy.
• Establish and manage strategic framework agreements and long-term contracts with key suppliers to drive sustainable value.
• Implement robust SRM practices including structured reviews, supplier scorecards, and risk/resilience planning.
• Foster innovation through supplier collaboration and structured engagement forums (e.g. Quarterly Business Reviews, strategic workshops).
• Commercial and Contract Management
• Lead high-value and/or technically complex contract negotiations, ensuring optimal commercial terms, protection of IP, risk allocation, and delivery performance.
• Collaborate with Legal and Compliance to ensure contracts are robust, enforceable, and aligned with corporate policy.
• Monitor and manage supplier performance against contractual obligations and proactively drive issue resolution.
• Stakeholder and Cross-Functional Alignment
• Partner closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Program Management to align category strategies with technical requirements and programme timelines.
• Act as the voice of the category in internal governance forums, providing expert insight and recommending sourcing or make/buy solutions.
• Influence stakeholders at all levels through clear communication, business acumen, and a deep understanding of category-specific challenges and opportunities.
• Support ESG, localisation, and innovation goals through supplier engagement and sourcing strategies.
• Performance Management and Reporting
• Define and track key metrics (e.g. cost savings, contract coverage, consolidation, risk status, localisation) to measure the impact of category management.
• Report regularly to senior leadership on progress, challenges, and mitigation actions within the category.
• Maintain accurate data and documentation in ERP and procurement systems to support transparency, traceability, and audit readiness.
  
  

• Masters Degree (Preferred): A Bachelors or Masters Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree or professional certification (e.g. CIPS, CPSM).
  
  

• 10+ years of progressive experience in procurement, with a strong focus on strategic sourcing, category management, and supplier performance.
• Proven experience managing complex categories in a manufacturing or engineering environment; Capex & Engineering Services experience preferred.
• Aero / Defence industry exposure highly desirable, with working knowledge of Export Control regulations (including EAR), ITAR, and relevant compliance requirements.
• Strong leadership capability with a track record of building and managing high-performing, cross-functional teams.
• Deep understanding of procurement processes, contract law (preferably under English Law), and commercial risk management.
• Advanced negotiation and conflict resolution skills, with a demonstrated ability to deliver value and manage difficult supplier scenarios.
• Strategic thinker capable of aligning category strategy with business objectives and driving measurable outcomes.
• Skilled in supplier relationship management (SRM), including performance frameworks such as QBRs, scorecards, and structured collaboration.
• Excellent stakeholder management and interpersonal skills, able to influence across all levels of the organisation.
• Confident communicator and presenter with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organised with strong time management, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced or start-up environments; able to build structure and systems where they may not already exist.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (e.g. SAP) and e-sourcing tools (e.g. SAP Ariba); strong data handling and analysis skills.
• Solid understanding of inventory principles, material planning, and logistics interfaces within the supply chain.
  

• The role may also require National and International travel where directed by the leadership team or governed by operational demands.
• Friday, working from home (WFH).