Category Manager

The post holder will be responsible for providing leadership direction for the design of robust Commodity Strategies to support the business goals, lead a global category focal point for the busines and provide industry-leading category management expertise. Responsibilities Lead the outsourced spend for the specific commodity spend Category, Composites Build, maintain and manage scaled & critical strategic supplier relationships. Accountability for significant and sustained cost savings for their Category, on an on-going basis. Ensure key input into the overall Make vs Buy strategy, identifying opportunities and synergies both within the supply chain and current Make portfolio. Provide strategic leadership to key business transformation and outsourcing projects and leverage strong project and change management skills to manage complex and high value outsourcing and re-sourcing projects. Drive sustainable and ethical sourcing practices across the organisation. Influencing stakeholders at the highest level within the business unit, suppliers, and customers. Management of strategic sourcing, search, and supplier evaluations; conducting RFPs / tender / commercial negotiation processes Manage multiple supplier relationships and projects to balance supply chain competition Secure a global supply base that meets the organisation's cost and performance targets Drive continuous improvements for the Category / group of commodities. Negotiate and implement LTAs and subcontracts Provide insights and recommendations based on analysis, research, industry trends, benchmarking, and best practices. Reward Competitive salary Annual bonus (linked to company performance) 33 days annual leave (Increase after 5 years' service) 37.5 hours per week Flexi time working £5,000 employee referral bonus Health cash plan Contributory Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme Holiday Purchase Scheme - Salary Sacrifice Electric Car Scheme - Salary Sacrifice Cycle to Work Scheme Life Assurance Scheme at x4 gross salary Competitive enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay IVF & Assisted Conception Policy Women in Business - Corportate Member Wellbeing Initiatives Employee Recognition scheme Long Service Awards Local charity / sponsorship activities Dedicated employee parking Discounted Gym membership Learning and development opportunities Career progression Requirements Essential >5 years' experience in Supply Chain / Strategic Procurement within a technology / aerospace company with at least 3 years in composites background Category Supply Market knowledge Proven track record of managing strategic sourcing processes and critical supplier relationships and of leading complex sourcing evaluation process and outsourcing Bachelor's degree ideally in Engineering, Business, Operations, Strategy or related field Demonstrated ability to forge close business relationships with internal and external stakeholders at senior leadership level. Skilled negotiator adept at managing complex negotiations at management level with both external and internal stakeholders Project and Change management experience with strong leadership and team development Decision Making/Problem Solving - able to make decisions in complex/ambiguous situations and with incomplete data. Excellent interpersonal skills Global travel as and when required Desirable CIPS Master / Advanced Practitioner or equivalent We reserve the right to enhance criteria on shortlisting. Thompson Aero Seating is an Equal Opportunities employer. The closing date for applications is the 23rd November 2025 at 17:00. To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page. To start the process, click the Apply button below to Login/Register.