Senior Category Lead (Direct Materials)

What you'll do:

As Senior Category Lead Direct Materials Procurement, you will play a vital role in shaping the organisation’s procurement landscape by developing strategies that maximise value delivery while mitigating risks. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve forecasting costs accurately, managing complex negotiations with numerous strategic suppliers, implementing innovative solutions for cost reduction, and championing sustainability initiatives throughout the supply chain. You will also lead a dedicated team of category managers—providing mentorship and fostering an environment where collaboration thrives. Success in this role means not only achieving financial targets but also building strong relationships internally and externally to drive responsible sourcing practices.

• Develop, deliver, and continuously improve the direct materials category strategy with a strong emphasis on value creation, risk mitigation, and achievement of financial targets.
• Accurately forecast and budget pricing for raw materials and service costs to ensure optimal cost management across the supply base.
• Lead strategic sourcing activities including negotiation execution and contract management for a high volume of strategic suppliers.
• Design and implement robust risk management strategies to mitigate volatility in supply markets and secure continuity of supply.
• Drive supplier innovation initiatives aimed at delivering competitive advantage and cost reduction for the organisation.
• Champion the delivery of corporate sustainability commitments by increasing recyclable/recycled material usage and ensuring supplier compliance with responsible sourcing standards.
• Enhance category Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability (CRS) performance through active engagement with suppliers on renewable energy adoption and Ecovadis scoring.
• Provide hands-on leadership to develop the direct procurement team towards world-class capability, especially supporting junior managers in their professional growth.
• Create an engaging team environment that motivates members, encourages continuous learning, and builds a strong succession pipeline for future leaders.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders such as supply chain leadership, finance teams, central planning, sales & marketing functions as well as external partners including technical teams and strategic suppliers.

What you bring:

Your extensive background in category management within multinational FMCG procurement equips you with the insight needed to excel as Senior Category Lead Direct Materials Procurement. You bring advanced strategic thinking capabilities that allow you to anticipate market trends and respond proactively. Your proven track record in developing cross-functional procurement strategies demonstrates your ability to deliver results on a broad scale. With exceptional relationship-building skills, you foster trust among colleagues and external partners alike. Leading teams comes naturally to you; your empathetic approach ensures every member feels supported while striving for excellence. A deep-rooted commitment to sustainability guides your decision-making process as you champion responsible sourcing practices. Your collaborative spirit enables seamless cooperation across departments while managing significant spend portfolios efficiently.

• Minimum seven years’ experience in category management within multinational FMCG procurement environments is essential for success in this role.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing procurement category strategies across multiple geographies and business functions is required.
• A university degree or relevant professional qualification provides the necessary foundation for this position.
• Advanced strategic thinking skills enable you to navigate complex market dynamics effectively.
• Proven relationship management abilities allow you to build trust with both internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Experience leading teams with empathy ensures you can nurture talent while maintaining high performance standards.
• A strong commitment to sustainability drives your approach to responsible sourcing practices throughout the supply chain.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills help you collaborate seamlessly across diverse teams.
• Ability to manage large spend portfolios involving numerous strategic suppliers is highly valued.
• Familiarity with supplier innovation processes supports your efforts in delivering competitive advantages.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out for its unwavering commitment to employee wellbeing through comprehensive programmes addressing physical, spiritual, and financial health. Flexible working opportunities—including one day work-from-home each week—reflect their understanding of work-life balance needs. The company culture is built on inclusivity, knowledge sharing, and supportive leadership that empowers individuals at every level. Employees benefit from generous pension contributions as well as ongoing training opportunities designed to foster personal growth. The workplace is renowned for nurturing talent through hands-on development initiatives while prioritising sustainability across all operations. By joining this team, you become part of a network that values collaboration, dependability, and shared success—making it an ideal environment for those seeking meaningful impact alongside professional advancement.

What's next:

If you are ready to make a significant impact in direct materials procurement while advancing your career within an inclusive global organisation, this is your chance!

Apply today by clicking on the link below—take the next step towards joining a supportive team committed to excellence.