Indirect Procurement Category Manager

Job Description:

Salary Range: 60,000 - 80,000

Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.

Your Impact We are seeking a commercially driven Procurement Category Manager to lead the strategic sourcing and category management of complex spend areas, mainly related to manpower, engineering and logistics services. You will combine strong supplier management and negotiation capabilities with proven people leadership experience and the ability to operate effectively within fast-paced aerospace engineering environment.

This role is responsible for delivering value through strategic procurement initiatives, supplier performance management, cost optimisation, risk mitigation, and stakeholder engagement across Leonardo UK.What you will do Develop and implement procurement strategies/plan for complex indirect and operational spend areas, including but not limited to Manpower and contingent labour

Freight, Import/Export and Logistics services

Professional Services Lead end-to-end sourcing activities including:

RFQs/RFPsSupplier evaluation and selection

Contract negotiation

Commercial management

Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders across operations, engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and finance functions.

Manage strategic supplier relationships to ensure:

Service excellence

Cost competitiveness and Continuous improvement

Contract compliance and governance

Identify and deliver industrial cost-savings and value-creation opportunities while maintaining operational continuity and quality standards

Lead supplier performance reviews using KPIs and contractual service level agreements

Support procurement governance, compliance, and risk management activities

Potentially manage and develop procurement team members (direct reports), providing coaching, mentoring, and performance management

Drive procurement best practices and continuous improvement initiatives across the function

Ensure procurement activities align with company policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards

What you will bring:

Experience in a Procurement Category Manager or Senior Buyer role within complex operational environments.  Significant experience managing challenging categories/results including but not limited to Manpower and contingent labour

Freight, Import/Export and Logistics services

Professional Services Demonstrated experience of supplier negotiation and contract management involving high-value or strategically important suppliers

Previous people management or team leadership experience

Strong stakeholder management and communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels

Excellent commercial acumen and analytical capability

Experience working within aerospace, engineering, manufacturing, or similarly regulated industries is highly desirable

Strong understanding of procurement processes, category management methodologies, and supplier performance management

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

It would be nice if you had:

CIPS qualified or working towards MCIPSDegree qualified in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related discipline

Experience using ERP or procurement systems such as SAP, Oracle, or Coupa This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.

Security Clearance This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit:
Why join usAt Leonardo, our people are at the heart of…