Global Mechanical Category Manager
Global Mechanical Category Manager
Location: Europe (Hybrid)Travel: Up to 25% international travelDepartment: Global Category Management Reporting to: Senior Director of Category Management
We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Global Mechanical Category Manager to lead the development and execution of category strategies across our global mechanical spend portfolio.
This is a strategic role that combines engineering knowledge, procurement expertise and stakeholder management. You will work closely with teams across engineering, operations, manufacturing and finance to deliver sustainable value, strengthen supplier partnerships and support business growth through innovative sourcing strategies.
This position would particularly suit someone with a strong engineering background who has successfully transitioned into procurement, category management or strategic sourcing.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and implement global category strategies that align with business objectives and deliver measurable value
Analyse spend patterns, market trends and emerging technologies to identify opportunities, risks and efficiencies
Lead supplier selection, evaluation and performance management activities across global operations
Build and maintain long-term strategic supplier relationships that support quality, delivery, innovation and sustainability goals
Negotiate commercial agreements and contracts to achieve the best value while mitigating risk
Partner with internal stakeholders across engineering, manufacturing, operations and finance to understand requirements and align sourcing strategies
Lead change management initiatives to support the successful implementation of sourcing projects and new ways of working
Develop category methodologies, governance and best practice processes that can be deployed globally
Identify supply chain risks and develop robust mitigation and contingency plans
Essential Skills
Change management
Building strong, trusted relationships at all levels of an organisation
Commercial negotiations
Strong influencing and stakeholder management skills
Ability to collaborate across global and cross-functional teams
Excellent listening and communication skills
Strategic thinking and category methodology development
Confidence to challenge constructively and drive positive change
Creative mindset with the ability to develop and improve processes independently
What We're Looking For
Experience & Qualifications
Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline preferred
MBA qualification desirable
Solid experience in category management, strategic sourcing or procurement
Strong technical or engineering background (ideally Mechanical Engineering)
Experience developing and executing category strategies within a global environment
Industrial or manufacturing sector experience, such as Aerospace, Defence, Energy, Rail, Advanced Manufacturing
Proven track record of supplier management, contract negotiations and delivering commercial value
Good level of written and spoken English
Personal Attributes
Demonstrates strong business and commercial acumen
Builds credibility quickly and forms trusted relationships
Comfortable influencing senior stakeholders and challenging established thinking
Combines analytical rigour with practical decision-making
Enjoys working in complex, international environments
Can balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution
Thrives in a collaborative, matrix organisation
Why Join Us?
This is an exciting opportunity to shape global sourcing strategies within a highly technical and international business. You'll have the chance to influence key decisions, work with strategic suppliers worldwide, and play a significant role in driving operational and commercial performance across multiple regions.
With regular international travel, this role offers exposure to global teams, suppliers and manufacturing operations across Europe and beyond.
If you have an engineering foundation, strong category management expertise and the ambition to influence procurement strategy on a global scale, we'd love to hear from you.