Job Title
Senior Category Manager – Engineering, Design & Testing Services
Ref #
59086
Date posted
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
Location
Woking
Business area
Procurement
Department
Indirect Procurement
Position level
4 - Management / Technical Expert (L-18)
Working time
Full Time
Contract type
Permanent
Working pattern
9am - 6pm Monday to Friday
What to Expect
The Senior Category Manager is a critical role within our organization, responsible for overseeing and managing multiple categories within the procurement function. As a strategic leader, you will develop and execute category strategies, drive supplier relationships, and deliver value through cost optimization, innovation, and risk mitigation. This role requires a strong understanding of both the UK and Global markets, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to collaborate with stakeholders at all levels particularly at a higher-level.
What You'll Do
Category Strategy and Planning:
Develop and implement multiple category management strategies aligned with business objectives, considering market trends, regulatory requirements, stakeholder needs and dynamics of the market.
Manage categories covering multi million pound spend in each category.
Analyse spend data, conduct market research, and assess supplier capabilities to identify opportunities for cost savings, value creation, and risk mitigation.
Review and approve multiple category plans outlining sourcing strategies, supplier segmentation, and performance metrics.
Creating and developing Procurement Policies and Processes.
Sourcing and Supplier Management:
Lead end-to-end sourcing activities, including supplier identification, selection, negotiation, and contract management.
Foster strategic supplier relationships, collaborating to drive innovation, improve service levels, and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
Monitor supplier performance, conduct regular business reviews, and address any issues or risks.
Cost Optimization and Value Creation:
Identify and implement cost optimization initiatives, such as demand management, process improvements, and strategic sourcing methodologies.
Drive value creation through supplier innovation, product/service enhancements, and process efficiencies.
Evaluate total cost of ownership, considering factors such as safety, quality, delivery, and sustainability.
Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration:
Managing relationships with executive-level stakeholders and presenting multiple category strategies and performance to senior management, considering the business environment.
Collaborating with cross-functional teams to integrate procurement strategies into broader business initiatives, such as sustainability goals and local supplier development programs.
Build strong relationships with stakeholders across different functions, departments, and levels of the organization.
Provide procurement expertise and guidance to stakeholders, ensuring compliance with procurement policies and procedures.
Risk Management:
Identify and assess risks within assigned categories, develop mitigation strategies, and implement appropriate controls.
Stay updated on regulatory changes and industry developments that may impact the categories under management.
Ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and sustainability requirements.
Team Leadership and Development:
Lead a team of category management and procurement professionals, through guidance, mentorship, and coaching in compliance with employment laws and regulations.
Foster a collaborative and high-performance culture, promoting professional development and knowledge sharing.
Allocate resources effectively, prioritize projects, and manage workloads. 
What You'll Bring
  • Experience, Skills & Knowledge
Knowledge
Excellent knowledge of the global procurement landscape, regulations, and market dynamics.
Strong commercial awareness with an ability to assess risk in the appropriate context.
Skills
Strong negotiation and contract management skills, with the ability to drive cost savings and value creation.
Analytical mindset, with the ability to use data and market intelligence to drive decision-making.
Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively at all levels.
Adept at handling multiple projects and contracts concurrently.
Demonstrated ability to develop strategies for large and complex projects and contracts across multiple commercial categories.
The ability to combine professional project management and procurement skills on large scale projects.
Experience in drafting, reviewing, and controlling contractual documentation.
Excellent high level of communication skills to support cross-departmental and stakeholder liaison.
Experience
Significant experience in procurement, with a focus on category management and strategic sourcing.
Proven track record in managing multiple categories, preferably within a complex and fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and stakeholders.
Strong experience of planning, running, and executing complex sourcing process end to end.
Demonstrated, previous experience delivering cost savings and spend rationalisation.
Personal attributes:
As a Senior Category Manager, your personal attributes play a crucial role in driving the success of our procurement function. Your strategic thinking, strong negotiation skills, and leadership abilities will be instrumental in developing and executing category strategies, fostering supplier relationships, and delivering value through cost optimization and innovation. Your ability to build relationships, navigate complexities, and maintain ethical standards will ensure our organization's continued growth and success in the competitive marketplace.
Strategic Thinker: possess strong strategic thinking abilities, being able to analyse complex situations, anticipate market trends, and develop long-term category strategies aligned with organizational goals.
Excellent Analytical Skills: strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills to assess supplier performance, identify cost-saving opportunities, and evaluate risks.
Strong Negotiation Skills: a skilled negotiator, capable of building mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers, securing favourable terms and conditions, and optimizing value for the organization.
Relationship Builder: strong interpersonal skills, being able to collaborate effectively, influence others, and navigate complex relationships.
Leadership Abilities: inspirational and motivational to the team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture. Strong leadership skills, including communication, delegation, training & development, and decision-making.
Adaptability and Resilience: adaptable and resilient, embracing change, and managing unforeseen challenges effectively.
Strong Ethical Standards: demonstrates a commitment to compliance with regulations, promote fairness and transparency in supplier relationships, and ensure ethical sourcing practices.
Excellent Communication Skills: articulates strategies, negotiates with suppliers, collaborates with stakeholders, and influences decision-making. Skilled in both verbal and written communication.
Attention to Detail: a keen eye for detail, ensuring accuracy in contracts, analysing supplier performance metrics, and managing complex procurement processes without compromising quality or compliance.
Continuous Learning Mindset: demonstrates a passion for continuous learning, staying updated with industry trends, technological advancements, and best practices to drive innovation and improvement.
We recognise that we can only achieve our vision with the dedication and collaboration of our world class employees. It is our aim to become the employer of choice within the global automotive industry. 
What We'll Do for You
We offer a wide – ranging benefits package, which includes:
  • Structured career development framework
  • 25 days’ holiday, plus bank holiday. Annual buy & sell up to five days
  • Enhanced company pension scheme
  • Discretionary annual bonus award
  • Private medical insurance and health cash plan
  • Life assurance benefit
  • Ability to apply for a sabbatical of up to one year after only two years’ service
  • Benefits you can adapt to your lifestyle, such as discounted shopping
  • Generous parental leave policies
  • A range of wellbeing initiatives, such as employee assistance programme and free financial & mortgage advice
Who Are We?
No restraints. No limitations. We don’t simply push boundaries. We completely rethink them. McLaren Automotive exists to create breath-taking performance road cars.

It takes a community to do what we do. A diverse group of people with many areas of expertise, united by their passion to deliver visionary products and set new benchmarks. 

McLaren Automotive commits to equal opportunity for all. Diversity, Equality and Inclusion is at the heart of our impact, it drives our innovation and enables us to truly create something special. Join us on our journey. 

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