Category Manager – Corporate Services & Capex

Location: Middlesbrough

Type: Full Time

Closing Date: 22nd August 2025

PD Ports is a leading UK port business offering end-to-end supply chain solutions, employing over 1,400 people in the UK. With headquarters based in the Northeast of England, PD Ports owns and operates theUK’s sixth largest port by volume. Operating out of 11 key portsand logistics centres across the UK, we are committed to retaining and developing talent nationwide.

A vacancy has arisen for a full time Category Manager – Corporate Services & Capex reporting to the Head of Procurement.

Location:Head Office, Queens Square, Middlesbrough TS2 1AH

Working Arrangements:Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week. Hybrid working available.

The five main things our Category Manager – Corporates Services & Capexwill be working on are:

• Category Strategy and Sourcing Leadership:Develop and implement comprehensive sourcing strategies for corporate services and non-engineering CAPEX, leading the entire sourcing process from market research and specification development to bid evaluation and negotiation of commercial terms.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Influence:Act as the primary contact for internal stakeholders and business units regarding corporate services procurement. A key aspect is to encourage and influence internal stakeholders to direct significant spend categories, including capital expenditure, through the Procurement function.
• Contract Development:Work with the legal function to construct the necessary contractual arrangements for contracts to ensure all contractual terms and conditions are approved and corporate risk is minimised.
• Cost Savings:Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities within designated categories through strategic sourcing and supplier management and ensure all negotiated gains and cost savings are tracked, measured, and delivered.
• Compliance and Leadership:Deliver a Compliant Procurement service that meets company Procurement policy and process, lead, develop and mentor a Procurement Specialist

We are seeking someone who:

• Has a minimum of 5 years in procurement with progressive experience in procurement, with a significant portion dedicated to corporate services, or indirect procurement, and experience of CAPEX procurement.
• Is CIPS qualified (desirable or working toward becoming fully qualified– sponsored by PD Ports).
• Has strong negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to achieve favourable outcomes while maintaining positive supplier relationships.
• Has strong communication/collaboration experience which demonstrates an ability to engage technical staff, functional/business stakeholders and Senior Management representatives to deliver beneficial outcomes.
• Has the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with an effective approach to prioritising workload and attention to detail.

We offer 25 days holiday, paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave, life insurance and a cycle to work scheme.

If you are interested in this opportunity please apply in writing, outlining relevant skills & experience, to hr.recruitment@pdports.co.ukand use job referenceCMNW25.