Category Manager – MRO, Capex, Site Services

Kent (Hybrid)
Procurement
Permanent
£50k - 80k + Bonsu
Declan McElroy
declan@pod-talent.com
116253
09-Feb-2026

Location: Kent or Spalding (Hybrid – 3 days in the office)

About the Business

Our client is a global leader in the food and agriculture sector, currently undergoing an exciting period of change and investment. With a strong and established supply chain operation already in place for direct categories, attention is now turning to indirects and non-commodity spend.

The new procurement function will cover spend areas such as MRO, Engineering, Capex and general site servoces. This is a pivotal opportunity to shape and transform procurement in an evolving and fast-paced environment. We are currently recruiting for several positions at Category Manager and Senior Category Manager.

The Positions

These vacancies will play a critical role in:

  • Designing and implementing category strategies across indirect spend areas such as MRO, Engineering, Capex, Logistics and Site Services
  • Working with internal and external stakeholders to establish and embed strategic procurement processes
  • Building a new supply chain for services to support the growth of the business – selecting key strategic suppliers and creating long term relationships
  • Driving cost savings, value creation and supplier partnerships
  • Building strong, collaborative relationships with stakeholders across Europe

Given the scale of spend and transformation, this is a chance to make a tangible impact in building a best-in-class procurement function.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking commercially astute, proactive procurement professionals who thrive in environments of ambiguity and change.

Ideal candidates will bring:

  • Experience in one or more of MRO, Packaging, Facilities, Engineering, Capex or broader indirects
  • A proven track record of developing and delivering category strategies in global / regional roles
  • Must have a background in either food manufacturing, QSR or food services
  • Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills across complex, international businesses
  • Resilience, agility, and the ability to deliver in a “build phase” environment
  • Additional European language would be highly attractive – French would be the preference

We are open to both category specialists and generalists. Allocation of categories will be finalised once the full team is in place.

Location & Travel

  • Role can be based in Kent or Spalding
  • Candidates must be happy to travel across Europe, particularly in the first 3 months while building relationships
  • Hybrid working (3 days office / 2 from home)

Why Apply?

This is a unique opportunity to join a global organisation at a defining moment of transformation for the procurement team. You will have the autonomy, investment and leadership backing to create a high-performing procurement function that sets new standards across Europe.

If you would like to find out more about the role or apply – click Apply now or send your CV direct to declan@pod-talent.com

Declan McElroy

Associate Director - Procurement

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