Procurement Category Manager

About the role

The Procurement Category Manager will lead the development and execution of category strategies, ensuring a sustainable, high‑quality supply base at competitive cost. Reporting to the Head of Procurement, you will partner with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to drive value, governance and sustainability across the assigned category.

Key responsibilities

• Develop, implement and continuously optimise category strategies that secure supply continuity, cost competitiveness and alignment with business needs.
• Lead competitive sourcing events, design negotiation tactics and manage end‑to‑end contracting in line with procurement policy and Delegation of Authority.
• Build and nurture key supplier relationships, overseeing performance, quality, innovation and compliance with ethical and environmental standards.
• Manage supplier segmentation, onboarding, performance reviews and development using digital SRM tools.
• Collaborate with NBL departments and global procurement teams for integrated planning and execution.
• Analyse market trends, cost drivers and risks to anticipate opportunities and threats.
• Drive continuous improvement through sourcing optimisation, supplier‑led innovation and value‑engineering initiatives.
• Ensure full governance compliance across Source‑to‑Contract and Source‑to‑Pay processes, including budget adherence and reporting.
• Support portfolio reviews, reporting insights and strategic procurement initiatives.
• Lead and develop a Procurement Specialist, fostering capability uplift and operational excellence.

Required profile

• Recognised bachelor’s degree in Finance, Supply Chain Management or a related field.
• Minimum 6 years of experience, with at least 5 years in progressive purchasing, project management and contract negotiation within FMCG.
• Strong analytical and strategic‑thinking abilities.
• Excellent negotiation and commercial decision‑making skills.
• High emotional intelligence with proven stakeholder‑engagement capability.
• Detail‑oriented governance discipline and a passion for continuous improvement.

Required skills

• Proficiency in MS Office.