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Lean Executives Ltd.

Category Manager

Hertfordshire
£55k – £60k/yr
Posted 22 days ago
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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

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£35,000/yr

Why you're a good match

Strong

Your 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.

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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.

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Only hits

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  • 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.

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Skills

Category Management
Strategic Sourcing
Procurement
Supplier Management
Negotiation
Cost Reduction
Continuous Improvement
Supply Chain Risk Management
Supplier Performance
New Product Introduction
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Analytical Skills
Strategic Mindset
Technical Categories
Manufacturing Environment

Location

Hertfordshire, England, United Kingdom

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