Category Manager

Category Manager - Products
Location: Flexible UK Location | Hybrid (2 days WFH / 3 days on-site or travel)
Pay Rate: £650 per day via umbrella (Inside IR35)
Contract Length: 12-month contract (Possible extension)

The Opportunity

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a large, nationally significant infrastructure organisation on a high-impact contract.

You'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.

There 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.

Regular travel required across the UK and occasionally Europe (typically once every 4 weeks or as required)

Key Responsibilities

Develop and deliver category strategies for product-based spend areas
Lead supplier performance management, including:
KPI and SLA setting
Monthly and quarterly performance reviews
Identify and deliver cost savings and value improvement opportunities
Manage supplier contracts, ensuring optimal performance and compliance
Build strong relationships with key stakeholders and present strategies to senior leaders
Support and lead tendering and framework activities where required
Monitor market trends and maintain strong engagement with the supplier baseKey Skills & Experience

Essential

Proven experience as a Category Manager / Procurement Manager
Strong background in:
Contract management and supplier performance
Setting and managing KPIs / SLAs
Experience conducting supplier reviews (e.g. QBRs, MBRs)
Excellent stakeholder management skills, including presenting to senior stakeholders
Background within engineering, manufacturing, or industrial environments
Solid understanding of procurement processes and tenderingDesirable

Experience within regulated environments (e.g. utilities, infrastructure)
CIPS (or working towards)
Exposure to logistics, expediting, or supply chain operationsPlease note: Due to the high volume of applications, only successful candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from us within 48 hours, unfortunately, your application has not been successful on this occasion. However, we may retain your details for any future suitable vacancies and contact you accordingly.

Pontoon is an employment consultancy. We put expertise, energy, and enthusiasm into improving everyone's chance of being part of the workplace. We respect and appreciate people of all ethnicities, generations, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, and more. We do this by showcasing their talents, skills, and unique experience in an inclusive environment that helps them thrive. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.

We use generative AI tools to support our candidate screening process. This helps us ensure a fair, consistent, and efficient experience for all applicants. Rest assured, all final decisions are made by our hiring team, and your application will be reviewed with care and attention