Global Category Manager

Head of Category Management - Hybrid Working - Glasgow

I'm delighted to be partnering with a fast-growing manufacturing organisation that is investing significantly in its global procurement capability as it scales worldwide.

As part of this transformation, they are appointing a Head of Category Management to lead and shape global category strategy across a complex, multi-site operation. This is a high-impact leadership role at the heart of an exciting growth phase, responsible for driving strategic sourcing, elevating supplier performance, delivering sustainable cost optimisation, and partnering with key suppliers on innovation across a global footprint.

With up to 30% global travel, you’ll manage categories on a business-wide basis, creating strategies that improve day‑to‑day performance and back the wider growth plan. You’ll work closely with business stakeholders across Finance, Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering / Technical and Commercial to make sure Procurement delivers tangible value and supports the business to scale.

• Develop and implement global category strategies aligned to business priorities and market dynamics
• Lead end‑to‑end strategic sourcing : benchmarking, supplier evaluation, negotiation and implementation
• Build strong internal stakeholder relationships and influence decision‑making across functions and regions
• Monitor global supply markets to identify cost drivers, risks and opportunities early
• Manage supplier performance frameworks (KPIs, SLAs, compliance, continuous improvement)
• Lead, mentor and develop a small team of Buyers and category specialists.

• Solid experience in strategic procurement / category management within a global or multi‑site environment
• Strong track record of commercial and contractual negotiation, including alternative sourcing
• Confident handling commodity risk and market volatility, running multiple sourcing programmes in parallel
• Experience of working with a global supply base.

• CIPS / MCIPS (or working towards) or equivalent senior procurement experience
• degree‑level education desirable (engineering / science / business preferred)
• ERP exposure beneficial

If you’re a proven global category leader who thrives in ambitious, change‑driven environments and wants the platform to make a visible enterprise‑wide impact, this is a standout opportunity.

In return you will receive an excellent salary & benefits package aligned with the scope of the role.