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.