Category Manager

A Category Manager is sought to join a growing supply chain leadership team in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, contributing to the development and execution of strategic sourcing initiatives and long-term supplier partnerships across mechanical, electronic, electromechanical and consumable product categories.

The Category Manager, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, will be expected to develop your understanding in the field, working closely with senior supply chain leaders, engineering teams and key suppliers to drive procurement strategy, supplier performance, and New Product Introduction (NPI) supply chain readiness.

This may include category strategy development, complex supplier negotiations, cost modelling, supplier development, and risk management within a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop and implement multi-year category strategies aligned with business objectives and product roadmaps.


• Lead category planning including cost roadmaps, supplier capability assessments, and long-term development plans.


• Segment suppliers within categories to identify strategic, preferred, development, and exit suppliers.


• Lead major sourcing events, competitive tenders, and complex supplier negotiations.


• Develop cost models, conduct should-cost analysis, and drive long-term cost-reduction strategies.


• Negotiate and manage long-term supplier agreements ensuring favourable commercial terms and total cost of ownership.


• Build and maintain strong relationships with strategic suppliers and lead Quarterly Business Reviews to monitor performance and risk.


• Drive supplier development initiatives to improve quality, delivery, process capability, and operational efficiency.


• Lead supply chain readiness for New Product Introduction (NPI), ensuring supplier capability for prototypes and production ramp-up.


• Support DFM/DFA discussions with engineering teams and suppliers to optimise manufacturability.


• Oversee PPAP processes, tooling readiness, and sample approvals for new products.


• Identify supply chain risks including single-source dependencies and develop mitigation strategies.


• Maintain category dashboards covering pricing, supplier performance, and risk management data.


• Ensure procurement systems and MRP data remain accurate and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Key skills & experience:

• Strong procurement or supply chain experience within a manufacturing environment.


• Experience managing technical supply categories such as PCBA, plastics, metals, electromechanical assemblies, or similar engineered components.


• Proven negotiation and contract management experience with suppliers.


• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) supply chain development.


• Experience working with MRP/ERP systems and analysing procurement data.


• Strong analytical, commercial, and negotiation skills.


• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities across internal teams and external suppliers.


• Ability to interpret technical information relating to mechanical or electronic components.

How to apply:

Apply now for the Category Manager role in Hatfield, Hertfordshire.

Send your CV to adighton@redlinegroup.Com or call Adam on 01582878821.