Senior Category Manager / Senior Commodity Manager - Directs

A fantastic opportunity for a Senior Category Manager / Senior Commodity Manager has arisen to join a leading technical manufacturing and advanced technology organisation. You'll be embedded within a high-performing supply chain function, operating across complex programmes and working closely with cross-functional stakeholders in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment.

This role focuses on leading a team of Category / Commodity Managers, delivering strategic sourcing initiatives, optimising supplier performance, and driving cost efficiency and supply chain resilience across critical spend categories.

Role - Senior Category Manager / Senior Commodity Manager
Location - Fife, Scotland (hybrid working, 3 days onsite per week)
Type - Permanent position
Salary - Competitive + bonus + car allowance + excellent benefits

Key responsibilities of the Senior Category Manager / Senior Commodity Manager role include (but are not limited to):

Lead, develop and mentor a team of Category Managers / Commodity Managers across multiple business areas and programmes.
Develop and execute short and long-term sourcing strategies across multiple commodities.
Drive strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, and contract management across a complex supply base.
Act as a key escalation point for supplier performance issues, contractual challenges, and dispute resolution.
Collaborate with senior internal stakeholders including Finance, Legal, Quality, Manufacturing and Programmes.
Deliver cost savings, cost avoidance, and supplier performance improvements aligned to business objectives.
Implement strategies to improve supply chain resilience and mitigate geopolitical and supplier risks.
Lead participation in key supplier negotiations and leverage agreements to maximise commercial value.
Build long-term strategic relationships with key suppliers and leadership teams.
Drive continuous improvement, KPI performance, and supply chain analytics across the function.
Ensure compliance with export controls, regulatory requirements, and corporate governance standards.
Deputise for senior leadership and engage at Director-level reviews where required.

Key skills and experience required for the Senior Category Manager / Senior Commodity Manager role include (but are not limited to):

Strong background in Procurement, Supply Chain, Category Management / Commodity Management or Subcontract Management within a complex manufacturing environment.
Proven leadership experience managing and developing high-performing teams.
Demonstrable success delivering strategic sourcing across complex categories, ideally within aerospace, defence, or similarly regulated sectors.
Strong commercial acumen with experience in contract negotiation and supplier management.
Knowledge of global supply markets and regulatory frameworks (e.g. ITAR, EAR, UK Export Control).
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence at senior level.
Experience managing supply chains across the full lifecycle (development through to sustainment).
Strong analytical capability, including use of KPIs, metrics and data to drive decision making.
Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, matrix environment managing multiple priorities.
MCIPS, MBA or equivalent qualification would be advantageous but not essential.

To apply for this Senior Category Manager / Senior Commodity Manager / Category Manager / Commodity Manager / Commodity Lead role, candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK