Experis
Category Manager
Get notified of more jobs like this · No spam, ever
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Category Manager (Defence Procurement & Category Strategy)
Shape strategic procurement decisions that support some of the UK’s most complex and mission-critical programmes.
We are seeking experienced Category Managers with a proven track record of developing front-end category strategies within large, complex organisations. This is an opportunity to work on high-profile Defence category portfolios, helping to drive value, influence senior stakeholders, and shape long-term procurement approaches.
Contract: 6 months with potential extension
Location: Abbey Wood / London
Working Pattern: Hybrid, minimum 1 day per week (Wednesday) in Abbey Wood
IR35: In Scope
The Opportunity
Working within a strategic procurement environment, you will support the development and implementation of category strategies across critical Defence spend areas. This is a highly strategic role focused on category leadership, stakeholder influence, market analysis, and benefits delivery rather than transactional procurement activity.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in one or more of the following categories:
- Lethality / Weapons Systems
- Marine
- Vehicle Platforms
- Aircraft Platforms
- MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operations)
- Direct Materials
- Operational & General Categories
- Consumables
- HR Professional Services
What You'll Do
- Lead the development of front-end category strategies within complex and high-value environments.
- Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders and influence decision-making across programmes and functions.
- Apply category management best practice to identify opportunities, risks, market dynamics, and value levers.
- Support large-scale programmes and projects through strategic procurement and category interventions.
- Deliver measurable financial and non-financial benefits.
- Analyse markets, suppliers, and supply chains to support evidence-based category decisions.
- Produce high-quality presentations, reports, and strategic recommendations.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
What You'll Bring
Essential
- 5+ years' experience as a dedicated Category Manager.
- Strong understanding of category management fundamentals and category strategy development.
- Experience in one or more strategically important category areas, including Defence-related sectors.
- Demonstrable success operating within complex, high-value, and mission-critical environments.
- Experience supporting or leading major programmes and projects.
- Excellent stakeholder management, engagement, and influencing skills.
- Ability to balance a consultative approach with a hands-on delivery mindset.
- Proven track record of delivering both financial and non-financial benefits through category management activity.
- Strong Microsoft Office and PowerPoint skills.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London