Strategic Sourcing Manager £70,000 + benefits Location: West Midlands Overview My client is international engineering and manufacturing organisation, is seeking an experienced Strategic Sourcing Manager to join their team based in the West Midlands This is a key role within a global procurement function, responsible for leading a team focused on strategic sourcing and supplier management across a complex and technical product environment. The successful candidate will bring a highly analytical and strategic procurement mindset, with the ability to develop, own, and execute category strategies that deliver long-term value to the business. The position requires a proactive and collaborative leader who can work effectively with stakeholders across engineering, operations, and commercial teams within an international business environment. Key Responsibilities Lead and develop a global team of procurement professionals, ensuring alignment with business and procurement objectives. Develop, implement, and continuously refine category strategies that support business growth and operational efficiency. Analyse spend, supplier markets, and cost drivers to identify opportunities for value creation and risk mitigation. Lead complex supplier negotiations, ensuring commercial, contractual, and operational considerations are aligned with company policies. Drive structured sourcing activities including RFx processes, supplier selection, and contract negotiations. Negotiate and manage contracts across multiple sites and regions, covering pricing, delivery, and commercial terms. Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure procurement strategies support wider business requirements. Identify and deliver cost optimisation and value improvement initiatives across key product categories. Build strong supplier relationships and ensure effective supplier performance management. Provide regular reporting and insights to support procurement decision-making.Candidate Profile Proven experience in strategic procurement, category management, or supply chain leadership roles. Strong analytical capability with the ability to interpret data, market trends, and cost structures to inform procurement strategies. Demonstrated experience creating, owning, and delivering category strategies within a complex manufacturing or industrial environment. Strong commercial acumen and experience leading supplier negotiations and managing contractual agreements. A structured, results-oriented approach with strong attention to detail. Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills. Experience working with ERP systems (e.g. SAP) and advanced Excel or data analysis tools. Good understanding of manufacturing supply chains and cost drivers. Degree qualified in engineering, supply chain, business, economics, or a related discipline