Category Specialist

Morson Edge currently have an opportunity for a Category Specialist to work on behalf of our aerospace client in Yeovil. This is a 12 month contract.

Role Purpose

We are seeking an experienced procurement professional to manage the Rubber, Seals & Chemicals category within an international aerospace manufacturing environment.

The primary scope of the role includes seals, gaskets, O-rings and fabricated rubber components used in both static and dynamic applications across all helicopter platforms.

A secondary area of responsibility is the management of the Chemicals category, supporting both internal customer requirements and in-service support activities across the global fleet support network.

The successful candidate will be responsible for further developing and implementing category strategies, managing supplier relationships, leading commercial negotiations, supporting supplier performance improvement initiatives, and ensuring continuity of supply across a critical supplier base.

Key Responsibilities

- Develop, refine and execute category strategies aligned with business objectives, operational requirements and long-term supply chain goals.
- Manage commercial relationships with key suppliers, including contract negotiations, pricing agreements, contract renewals and ongoing performance reviews.
- Lead commercial negotiations for long-term agreements and strategic supplier partnerships, ensuring competitiveness, contractual compliance and sustainable supply solutions.
- Lead strategic sourcing activities, including supplier identification, qualification, evaluation, selection, onboarding and performance management.
- Manage competitive tendering activities and supplier resourcing projects to ensure long-term supply chain resilience and competitiveness.
- Conduct commercial assessments and provide sourcing recommendations to internal stakeholders.
- Collaborate closely with Engineering, Quality, Operations and Procurement teams to support business requirements and supplier development initiatives.
- Support new product introduction programs and the qualification of new suppliers where required.
- Identify opportunities for cost optimization, value improvement and risk mitigation within the supply chain.
- Monitor market trends, supplier capabilities and industry developments to support informed sourcing decisions and category strategy reviews.
- Ensure compliance with company procurement policies, governance requirements and contractual obligations.
- Provide functional guidance and category leadership to Geo Procurement teams across the UK, Italy, Poland, USA and Switzerland, ensuring alignment with approved sourcing strategies and supplier panels.
- Support business continuity planning and risk management activities for critical commodities and suppliers.
- Maintain effective reporting and visual management processes to communicate category performance, sourcing progress and key business risks.

Candidate Profile
- Proven experience in Procurement, Category Management, Strategic Sourcing or Supply Chain roles within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
- Demonstrated experience in supplier relationship management and cross-functional stakeholder engagement.
- Ability to lead sourcing projects from strategy development through implementation and operational handover.
- Strong analytical, communication and problem-solving skills.
- Experience within Aerospace, Defence, Automotive, Industrial Manufacturing or other highly regulated industries would be advantageous.
- Experience with rubber products, sealing solutions, elastomeric components, plastics, chemicals or related commodities would be highly desirable.
- Experience in managing contractual agreements and supplier performance programs.
- Strong reporting discipline and proficiency in visual management techniques.
- Ability to influence and guide geographically dispersed procurement teams operating within a matrix organization.
- Capability to operate effectively within an international and multicultural environment.
- Self-motivated, able to work with a high degree of autonomy, whilst effectively engaging and influencing stakeholders across multiple functions and geographies.

Mon-Fri 37 hours
Hybrid upon completion of training