Lean Executives Ltd.
Category Manager

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Category Manager | Salary up to £60,000 + 10% Bonus
Our client is a market-leading international manufacturer of specialist testing and measurement solutions used in safety-critical industries. Operating across the UK and North America, the business is part of a growing private equity-backed group known for innovation, engineering excellence and global customer support.
About the Role
The Category Manager will report to the Head of Supply Chain and take ownership of:
- Category strategy
- Supplier performance
- Sourcing activities
- New Product Introduction (NPI)
The role covers a diverse portfolio including:
- Electronics
- PCBs
- Plastics
- Metals
- Mechanical assemblies
- Packaging
- Power supplies, batteries
- Raw materials
Key Responsibilities
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
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.
- Develop and execute category strategies aligned to business growth objectives.
- Lead supplier sourcing, tenders, negotiations, and commercial agreements.
- Drive improvements in supplier performance, focusing on cost, quality, delivery, and innovation.
- Support NPI projects, ensuring suppliers are ready for tooling, capacity, and production ramp-up.
- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks through robust sourcing and continuity strategies.
- Deliver cost reduction initiatives and continuous improvement programmes.
- Manage supplier relationships, including performance reviews with key partners.
Would You Be Suitably Experienced?
- Proven Category Management, Strategic Sourcing, or Procurement experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Strong commercial, negotiation, and supplier management skills.
- Experience of technical categories, including electronics, mechanical assemblies, plastics, or manufactured components.
- Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, operations, and quality teams.
- An analytical and strategic mindset, with a focus on long-term value creation.


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The Opportunity
This is an excellent opportunity to join a dynamic, international business where you can:
- Make a significant impact on supply chain performance.
- Drive supplier development.
- Contribute to the future success of products.
Apply if you’re ready to take on a high-impact role in a fast-growing, innovative organisation.
“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.”
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