Category Manager

Are you an experienced Category Manager with a background in aerospace or another highly regulated manufacturing environment? Do you have expertise managing electronic commodities such as PCBAs, electronic components and bare boards? If so, I want to hear from you!

I am recruiting on behalf of a global engineering organisation that designs and manufactures highly advanced technologies for the aerospace industry. This is an opportunity to join a business investing heavily in its global supply chain, supplier partnerships and continuous improvement strategy.

As Category Manager, you will take ownership of the Electronics commodity across the division, developing and executing long-term sourcing strategies whilst working closely with multiple international sites. You'll be responsible for building high-performing supplier partnerships, identifying new suppliers, leading sourcing initiatives and ensuring the business has a resilient, competitive and future-proof supply base.

Category Manager
Permanent
Monday to Thursday, 8:00am – 4:30pm and Friday, 8:00am – 1:00pm
Very Competitive Salary on Offer + 12.5% bonus
Fareham

Category Manager
Key Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing the global sourcing strategy for the Electronics commodity (PCBA, electronic components and bare boards).
• Managing supplier relationships, supplier performance and strategic negotiations to improve quality, cost and delivery.
• Identifying, onboarding and qualifying new suppliers whilst managing supplier transitions and implementation plans.
• Working closely with multiple manufacturing sites across Europe and internationally to support business growth and sourcing requirements.
• Driving supplier performance through KPI management, continuous improvement initiatives and Lean methodologies.
• Leading commercial discussions including long-term agreements, contracts and cost reduction initiatives.
• Using data and market analysis to support sourcing decisions and influence strategic direction.
• Supporting procurement transformation projects and continuous improvement programmes across the division.

Category Manager
Essential Experience

• Previous Category Management experience within Aerospace or another highly regulated manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of Electronics commodities including PCBAs, electronic components and bare boards.
• Experience developing and delivering sourcing strategies across multiple sites.
• Proven supplier management and supplier negotiation experience.
• Strong commercial awareness with exposure to supplier contracts and long-term agreements.
• Experience driving Continuous Improvement, Lean or Kaizen initiatives.
• Excellent analytical skills with a data-driven approach to decision making.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with experience working across international teams.
• Willingness to travel internationally approximately once per month (typically Europe and Asia).

Systems Qualification Engineer
Company Benefits

• 12.5% Bonus
• Focused career development planning with opportunities to progress
• Pension scheme with up to 10% matching company contribution
• Income protection scheme
• Life Assurance x4 basic salary
• Share buying scheme
• 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays, with the option to buy and sell up to 5 days
• Service-related holiday (3 years = 1 day and increase up to max 5 days)
• Cash Plan or Private Medical Cover
• Employee Assistance Program for Health & Wellbeing
• Free on-site car parking
• Employee Referral Scheme
• Employee Perks – offering employees discounts on a huge variety of goods and services