Category Manager

MRD Recruitment is recruiting a Category Manager to join one of our manufacturing clients based in Falkirk. You will report into the Head of Procurement.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in developing and delivering category strategies that drive value, reduce risk, and support business growth. You will be based in Falkirk.

Working closely with internal stakeholders and suppliers, you will manage a portfolio of direct and/or indirect spend categories, ensuring the business achieves best value while maintaining quality, service, and supply continuity.

This is a strategic procurement role and is ideal for a Category Manager, based in Falkirk who enjoys building supplier relationships, analysing markets, and delivering measurable commercial outcomes within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities for Category Manager based in Falkirk

Develop and implement category strategies aligned to business objectives.

Lead strategic sourcing activities, including RFQs, tenders, negotiations, and contract awards.

Manage supplier relationships, driving performance, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Identify opportunities to reduce cost, improve quality, mitigate supply chain risks, and enhance supplier performance.

Monitor market trends, commodity movements, and supply chain developments to inform sourcing decisions.

Collaborate with engineering, operations, production, quality, finance, and other business functions to understand requirements and deliver procurement solutions.

Negotiate commercial agreements and ensure robust contract management.

Deliver procurement savings and value beyond cost, including sustainability, resilience, and process improvements.

Support new product introduction and business change projects through effective supplier engagement.

Ensure compliance with company procurement policies and governance requirements.

Produce category performance reports, spend analysis, and procurement insights for senior stakeholders.

Lead the procurement and category management of indirect spend, including facilities management, maintenance services, utilities, professional services, IT, logistics, and other business support functions.

Identify opportunities to consolidate suppliers, standardise contracts, and optimise indirect spend to deliver sustainable cost savings and operational efficiencies.

Manage the end-to-end lifecycle of supplier contracts, including tendering, negotiation, implementation, performance reviews, renewals, and exit planning.

About the Category Manager

You will be an experienced procurement professional with strong commercial acumen and a proven track record of managing categories within a manufacturing or industrial environment.

You'll also have

Experience in strategic sourcing and category management.

Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.

Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Experience managing competitive tender processes and contract negotiations.

Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at all levels.

A proactive, data-driven approach to identifying opportunities and delivering results.

Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and procurement/ERP systems.

Desirable

CIPS qualification (Level 4 or above) or working towards MCIPS.

Experience within manufacturing, engineering, FMCG, or industrial sectors.

Knowledge of both direct and indirect procurement categories.

Experience of supplier performance management and continuous improvement methodologies.

What We Offer

Competitive salary.

Annual bonus scheme.

Pension contribution.

Ongoing learning and development opportunities.

Career progression within a growing manufacturing business.

A collaborative and supportive working environment where your ideas and expertise will make a real impact.