Category Manager

SF Recruitment are exclusively working with a Leeds based business who are looking for a highly technical and commercially driven Category Manager to be responsible for Machinery to lead sourcing strategy and supplier management for capital equipment across a growing packaging operation.

This is a key role combining deep technical expertise with strategic procurement capability, covering mechanical systems, automation, and full production line integration. You will play a critical role in driving innovation, cost optimisation, and performance improvements through supplier collaboration and continuous technology evaluation.

• Develop and execute category strategies for packaging machinery
• Align sourcing strategies with operational, engineering, and capital investment plans
• Lead long-term supplier roadmap development, focusing on innovation and total cost of ownership

• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to define technical specifications
• Evaluate machinery design, mechanical systems, and automation capabilities
• Support equipment standardisation and modularisation across sites
• Lead technical reviews and feasibility assessments for new investments
• Manage relationships with OEMs, system integrators, and specialist engineering suppliers
• Drive supplier performance across cost, quality, delivery, and technical capability
• Support contract negotiations for capital equipment and lifecycle services
• Develop strategic supplier partnerships to drive innovation
• Identify and implement new technologies (automation, robotics, digitalisation)
• Lead value engineering initiatives to optimise performance and reduce costs
• Champion sustainability improvements in machinery efficiency and waste reduction
• Analyse existing machinery to identify cost‑saving opportunities
• Apply reverse engineering techniques to improve systems and components
• Benchmark equipment against market alternatives

• Lead procurement activities for capital expenditure projects
• Support installation, commissioning, and acceptance of machinery
• Align procurement with engineering and project delivery timelines
• Mitigate risks associated with large‑scale investments

• Proven experience in procurement or category management within manufacturing, packaging machinery, or industrial equipment
• Strong technical understanding of mechanical systems, automation, and production integration
• Experience working with OEMs and engineering suppliers
• Track record in CAPEX procurement and contract negotiation
• Knowledge of value engineering, reverse engineering, and cost modelling
• Strong analytical and project management skills

• Background in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or similar
• Professional certifications (e.g. CIPS, Six Sigma) are advantageous

• Technically curious with a strong innovation mindset
• Commercially astute with strategic thinking capability
• Confident working cross‑functionally with engineering and operations
• Detail‑oriented and structured in your approach
• Resilient and adaptable in a fast‑paced environment

• Opportunity to shape machinery strategy within a growing organisation
• Exposure to cutting‑edge technologies and innovation projects
• Collaborative environment across procurement, engineering, and operations
• Competitive salary and benefits package

If you’re looking to take ownership of a highly technical category and make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you.