Category Manager - Electrical And Electronics

We are looking for a professional Category Manager - Electrical & Electronics.

About the Role:

The Category Manager – Electrical & Electronics 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 [insert category], 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 .
  
  

• 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 .
  
  

• 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 .
  
  

• 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.
  
  

• 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.
  
  

• 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 .
  
  

• Minimum - Bachelors Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering (Electronics or Electrical or related discipline).
• Preferred - Master’s degree or relevant Postgraduate Qualification.
• Professional certification such as CIPS, CPSM, or equivalent is highly desirable.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development in procurement, contract law, or supplier management.
• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive experience in procurement or supply chain, with at least 5 years focused on strategic sourcing or category management.
• Subject matter expertise in the Electrical & Electronics supply chain, including knowledge of key technologies, product lifecycles, and supplier landscapes
• Proven experience managing the Electrical & Electronics category, including components such as PCBs, harnesses, sensors, connectors, embedded systems, and/or power supplies
• Strong understanding of contract negotiation, supplier relationship management (SRM), and strategic framework agreements.
• Understanding of manufacturing and engineering processes related to electronic systems and subassemblies
• Experience working in a manufacturing or engineering environment, ideally within aerospace, defence, or other high-reliability manufacturing sectors.
• Familiarity with relevant compliance standards and regulations, such as RoHS, REACH, ITAR, and Export Control (e.g. EAR)
• Proficient in ERP/MRP systems (e.g. SAP) and sourcing platforms (e.g. SAP Ariba), with strong analytical and data-handling skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or influence cross-functional teams in a matrixed organisation.
• Knowledge of industry-specific risks including obsolescence, counterfeiting, and long lead times, with experience implementing mitigation strategies