Category Manager

Signet Recruitment & Retention

Location: Reading, Berkshire (Hybrid) Contract: Permanent Salary: Competitive Category value: Up to £20m p.a.

The opportunity

We are working exclusively with a major UK infrastructure business to appoint a Category Manager into their growing Commercial & Procurement function. This is a high-visibility role with genuine scope to shape category strategy across complex supply markets.

Reporting into a senior Business Partner, you will take end-to-end ownership of a defined category portfolio, driving strategic sourcing, supplier management and continuous improvement activity. You will be the recognised commercial expert in your space; bringing market intelligence, supplier insight and innovative thinking to the business while delivering real, measurable value.

We welcome applications from candidates at all levels of their procurement career. Whether you are an experienced Category Manager looking for your next challenge, or a driven procurement professional ready to step up into a category-led role, we would love to hear from you.

What you'll be doing

• Developing and owning category strategies for the short, medium and long term, with a focus on maximising value and managing risk across a portfolio worth up to £20m
• Leading the full sourcing lifecycle; from market analysis and tender management through to negotiation, contract award and ongoing supplier management
• Building and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships across the business, acting as a trusted commercial advisor and influencing at all levels
• Managing key supplier relationships in line with a structured Supplier Management Framework, including regular governance reviews and in-life contract performance
• Identifying and delivering a pipeline of commercial initiatives, opportunities and process improvements that leave a lasting legacy
• Conducting risk reviews and supplier due diligence, supporting the wider enterprise risk model and escalating where appropriate
• Mentoring and peer-reviewing colleagues, contributing to a culture of best practice across the team

What we're looking for

• Some experience in a Category Manager, procurement or commercial role; you don't need to have done it all, but you should understand what good Category Management looks like
• An appreciation of complex supply chain environments and the ability to engage confidently with suppliers and internal stakeholders
• Strong commercial instincts; an ability to manage risk, interpret data and translate market insight into practical action
• Good influencing and communication skills, with the confidence to challenge constructively and build trust at all levels
• Familiarity with sourcing and tendering processes, contract management and negotiation
• A genuine commitment to ethical and responsible procurement practices
• Degree educated (desirable) or equivalent professional experience

Why apply?

This is a genuinely varied role within a business that takes procurement seriously. You will have real autonomy to develop your category, access to market-leading frameworks and tools, and the support of an experienced team around you. For a more junior candidate, this represents an excellent platform to grow into a fully-fledged Category Manager role with meaningful exposure and development.

Interested?

For a confidential conversation about this role, including more detail on the organisation, the team and the level of seniority being considered, please contact the team at Signet Recruitment & Retention.

We are happy to speak with candidates at various levels of experience and will tailor our briefing accordingly.