Category Manager

Category Manager - Products\n Location: Flexible UK Location | Hybrid (2 days WFH / 3 days on-site or travel)\n Pay Rate: £650 per day via umbrella (Inside IR35)\n Contract Length: 12-month contract (Possible extension)\n\nThe Opportunity\n\nThis is a fantastic opportunity to join a large, nationally significant infrastructure organisation on a high-impact contract.\n\nYou'll step into a key Category Manager role responsible for managing critical product supply chains (e.g. valves, pipes, fittings) that underpin essential operations. This is a role where you can genuinely make a difference - improving supplier performance, unlocking value, and shaping how contracts are managed going forward.\n\nThere is real scope to put your stamp on the category, with clear opportunities to drive improvements in areas that haven't been fully optimised before.\n\nRegular travel required across the UK and occasionally Europe (typically once every 4 weeks or as required)\n\nKey Responsibilities\n\nDevelop and deliver category strategies for product-based spend areas\nLead supplier performance management, including: \nKPI and SLA setting\nMonthly and quarterly performance reviews\nIdentify and deliver cost savings and value improvement opportunities\nManage supplier contracts, ensuring optimal performance and compliance\nBuild strong relationships with key stakeholders and present strategies to senior leaders\nSupport and lead tendering and framework activities where required\nMonitor market trends and maintain strong engagement with the supplier baseKey Skills & Experience\n\nEssential\n\nProven experience as a Category Manager / Procurement Manager\nStrong background in: \nContract management and supplier performance\nSetting and managing KPIs / SLAs\nExperience conducting supplier reviews (e.g.