Category Specialist
Copello are working with a defence company who are looking for Category Specialist (Strategic), who will need to manage and optimise strategic sourcing initiatives across assigned categories. In this role, you will be responsible for developing and executing category strategies that align with business objectives, drive value creation, mitigate risks, and ensure supplier performance.
Key responsibilities
If you feel you have the right skills and experience, please apply now or send your CV to emmaw@copello.co.uk and we will be in touch for a further chat.
Copello are working with a defence company who are looking for Category Specialist (Strategic), who will need to manage and optimise strategic sourcing initiatives across assigned categories. In this role, you will be responsible for developing and executing category strategies that align with business objectives, drive value creation, mitigate risks, and ensure supplier performance.
Key responsibilities
- Develop and implement long-term category strategies to achieve cost savings, improve quality, improve on-time delivery and reduce supply risk.
- Conduct market analysis, benchmarking, and supplier assessments to identify sourcing opportunities, including supplier rationalisation.
- Lead RFx processes (RFI, RFP, RFQ), supplier negotiations, cross-functional supplier selection, and contract negotiation / execution for strategic spend categories.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal stakeholders to understand their needs and align procurement strategies accordingly.
- Support the Procurement Manager to manage supplier performance, resolve issues, and conduct periodic reviews to ensure contractual compliance and continuous improvement.
- Monitor industry trends, supply chain risks, and changes in the market that may influence sourcing plans.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (BU’s, Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Legal, Finance, Operations) to drive category initiatives and ensure alignment with company goals.
- Develop KPIs, dashboards, and reports to track category performance.
- Identify opportunities for sustainability, innovation, and cost optimization (Productivity, PPV) within the category.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and ethical standards.
- Analyse market trends and assess risks to make informed purchasing decisions, support Procurement ROP.
- Lead and mentor procurement staff and promote a culture of continuous improvement.
- Strategic thinking (Market & Industry analysis, Long term planning, Innovation).
- Negotiation & Supplier Management (strong negotiation skills, SRM)
- Contract Management (Expertise in drafting, reviewing and executing complex supplier Contracts, ensuring compliance and highlighting / addressing issues promptly)
- Analytical & Financial Acumen (Strong data analysis and reporting, cost modelling and Total Cost of Ownership, financial understanding).
- Project Management (Cross-functional collaboration, time management, problem solving).
- Risk management & compliance (Risk mitigation, regulatory compliance, contingency planning)
- Supplier diversity & sustainability
- Technology & Digital Competency (Procurement tools & software, digital transformation awareness, E-procurement & sourcing platforms).
- Adaptability & Continuous Improvement (Change management, continuous learning, performance optimisation)
- MRP knowledge
- At least 5 to 7 years’ experience in Procurement strategic sourcing.
- Strong understanding of strategic sourcing methodologies, contract management, and supplier relationship management.
- Excellent analytical, negotiation (especially around Contracts and Frame Agreements), and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field; MBA or related certification (e.g., CIPS, CPM) is a plus.
- Experience of supporting the development and improvement of a complex supply chain within an engineering and manufacturing environment
- Exposure to the aerospace/defence market would be an advantage
- Experienced in working within MRP environments
If you feel you have the right skills and experience, please apply now or send your CV to emmaw@copello.co.uk and we will be in touch for a further chat.
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