Global Category Manager - Machining

This is a key role to lead and define global ownership of a direct materials subcategory, driving strategy, supplier excellence, and long-term value. This is a high impact role where you’ll shape the 3 year category roadmap, lead global negotiations, and deliver regional projects that strengthen supply resilience and performance.

Report to the Global Head of Category Management, you will lead global strategy for your subcategory, including supplier segmentation, risk management, and cost/value optimization. Manage strategic supplier relationships worldwide, delivering measurable improvements in OTD, PPM and capacity. Drive global execution of category projects such as localisation, dual-sourcing, and VA/VE programmers. Execute sourcing strategy — RFx, long-term agreements, cost models, and TCO improvement. Partner with Engineering, Quality, Operations and Finance to ensure supply continuity and qualification.

In this role you will bring your experience in procurement/category management within direct materials. Strong commercial acumen, negotiation capability, and supplier development experience. Your ability to influence at all levels and balance global strategy with regional execution. Strong analytical skills and experience with ERP/sourcing tools.

This role would suit a determined problem-solver, who can lead a defined direct materials sub‑category globally and ensuring delivery of all category projects and supplier management regionally. Provide strong leadership to ensure cross functional collaboration with Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Finance.

Requirements

8+ years in procurement or category management within direct materials (e.g., metals, machine parts, fabrication, plastic products).; Experience leading global and regional sourcing projects and supplier negotiations.; Strong commercial acumen, contract management expertise, and analytical capability.; Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders at multiple levels.; Ability to balance strategic (global) and operational (regional) priorities.; Proficiency with ERP and procurement systems, strong Excel/analytics skills; English speaker.; Experience in multi‑site or matrix manufacturing environments.; Exposure to industrial, mechanical, machinery, or similar supply bases.; Knowledge of should-cost, VA/VE, DfM, and supplier development