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.