Procurement Category Manager - Materials
Date: 12 Nov 2026
Location: Ellesmere Port, GB, CH65 4HB
Company: essaroiluk
Category Manager - Materials
Location: Stanlow Manufacturing Complex, Ellesmere Port
Employment Type: Site Based Full Time Role 5 days per week Monday-Friday
- Competitive salary
- 10% company contribution pension
- 25 days holiday, increasing with service
- Private medical insurance
- Additional flex benefits, including holiday purchase
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme with exclusive access to a range of Discounts
- Free secure on-site car parking
About the Company
EET (Essar Energy Transition) vision is to be the leading producer of low carbon fuels and establish a blueprint energy transition hub in the North West. EET plays a major role in supplying the Northwest and the wider UK with essential fuels. We produce over 16% of the UK’s road transport fuels, supply key feedstocks to the petrochemical industry, and are investing heavily in low‑carbon energy solutions.
We work with major retail fuel brands, supermarkets, Manchester Airport, leading airlines, and regional transport operators. We are also a key partner in the HyNet project, helping to deliver the region’s low‑carbon future.
With over 900 skilled colleagues, we offer a strong safety culture, technically challenging work, and some of the best training in the energy sector.
Find out more: Redefining Energy | EET
THE OPPORTUNITY
Lead the development and delivery of category strategies for critical materials and equipment supporting the safe, reliable operation of Stanlow Refinery. Managing significant spend, you will use market intelligence, strategic sourcing and supplier relationship management to maximise value, improve performance and protect security of supply.
TECHNICAL SCOPE : Key materials and engineering categories, including MRO, pipework, fittings and flanges, valves, static equipment and rotating equipment.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
• Develop and implement category strategies across key materials and engineering spend categories, managing high-value, business-critical contracts that support refinery reliability and production assurance.
• Lead complex sourcing events and tender processes, using market analysis and commercial insight to secure the best outcomes.
• Lead supplier relationship management, contract management and supplier development programmes, including contract variations, negotiations and performance activities.
• Build effective relationships with senior stakeholders, suppliers and external partners, aligning procurement strategies with operational and business objectives.
• Deliver spend analysis, category reporting and value tracking so benefits are realised and captured.
• Identify and implement value engineering, cost optimisation and continuous-improvement opportunities.
• Lead, coach and develop local and offshore procurement resources, building capability and creating a high-performing culture.
• Drive compliance with procurement policies, governance processes and category-management best practice.
WHAT YOU WILL BRING
You are an experienced category professional who combines strong commercial judgement with analytical capability and credible stakeholder leadership.
• Significant Category Management, Strategic Procurement or Supply Chain Management experience in a complex industrial, engineering, manufacturing or energy environment.
• A proven record of managing high-value spend categories, strategic sourcing and complex commercial negotiations.
• Experience developing category strategies that improve commercial value, operational resilience and supplier performance.
• Strong stakeholder management, with the confidence to influence and challenge constructively at all organisational levels.
• Experience managing supplier relationships, contract performance and supplier development programmes.
• Strong commercial acumen and a thorough understanding of contract strategy, procurement governance and value delivery.
• Experience leading, coaching and developing teams to achieve business objectives.
• Strong analytical skills, using spend data, market intelligence and performance measures to support decisions.
• Experience with ERP systems; SAP knowledge is advantageous.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to build productive internal and external relationships.
ADVANTAGEOUS EXPERIENCE
• A relevant Business, Technical or Supply Chain degree.
• CIPS Level 6 Professional Diploma, or working towards it.
• Experience across MRO, pipework, fittings and flanges, valves, static equipment or rotating equipment.
This vacancy will be advertised for a minimum period of two weeks and will remain open to applications until an offer has been made and accepted. Therefore, the vacancy may close at any time after Thursday, 26 November 2026, and we encourage interested candidates to apply as early as possible.