Category Lead

Category Lead Rotherham Metal Manufacturing Permanent

Elevation Recruitment Group are delighted to be partnering with a well-established and growing metal manufacturing business in Rotherham to recruit a Category Lead - Raw Materials.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced procurement professional to take ownership of a critical spend area within a fast-paced industrial environment. You'll play a key role in shaping category strategy, driving cost efficiencies, and ensuring supply continuity across essential raw material inputs.

As Category Lead, you will be responsible for managing the end-to-end procurement strategy for raw materials, including metals and associated inputs. You'll work closely with internal stakeholders across operations, production, and finance to deliver value and support business objectives.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Developing and implementing category strategies for raw materials
• Leading supplier sourcing, negotiation, and contract management activities
• Monitoring market trends, commodity pricing, and supply risks
• Driving cost reduction initiatives and continuous improvement projects
• Building strong supplier relationships to ensure quality, reliability, and innovation
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to align procurement with production needs

We're keen to speak with commercially astute procurement professionals who thrive in a manufacturing environment and have a strong understanding of raw material supply markets.

You will ideally have:

• Proven experience in a Category Lead / Senior Buyer role within manufacturing
• Strong knowledge of raw material procurement (metals highly desirable)
• Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills
• Experience managing high-value spend and complex supplier networks
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret market data and trends
• CIPS qualification (or working towards) is advantageous

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunity to make a tangible impact in a key strategic role
• Career progression within a growing organisation
• Supportive and collaborative working environment