Category Manager - Copper & Aluminium

EMEA Recruitment is working with a leading global manufacturer in its search for an experienced Global Category Leader to own and drive sourcing strategy across a critical category.

This is a senior, cross-functional role with real commercial impact, covering supplier management, cost optimization, and new product development from brief through to execution.

Your responsibilities as the Category Manager: 

• Developing and implementing a global category strategy aligned with Supply Chain, Product, and Manufacturing objectives
• Optimizing total cost of ownership through cost modelling, value engineering and sourcing innovation
• Driving dual sourcing, re-sourcing and supplier qualification to protect supply continuity
• Managing strategic supplier relationships and negotiating long-term agreements across cost, quality, delivery and ESG
• Identifying and mitigating supply chain risks, including single-source dependency, geopolitical exposure and capacity constraints
• Monitoring global market trends, commodity indices and competitive benchmarks to inform decision-making
• Leading and developing the category team, building capability in strategic sourcing, negotiation and supplier development

Candidate profile:

• 8+ years' experience in Strategic Sourcing, Procurement or Supply Chain, with global category management experience
• Proven track record in cost optimization, supplier negotiations, and risk management
• Proficiency in procurement systems such as SAP or Ariba, with strong cost modelling capability
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, or Engineering; Master's or MBA preferred
• Fluent English is required
• Willingness to travel globally approximately 15–20% of the time

EMEA Recruitment is committed to promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the workplace. We act as a neutral third party in the recruitment process, basing our candidate searches on skills and experience. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, sex, relationship status, disability, race, religion/beliefs, or sexual orientation.