Category Lead - Supply Chain

Category Lead | Supply Chain | Hybrid Working | Hatfield

Introduction:

Ocado Technology is changing the way the world shops using advanced Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics, Big Data, Cloud and IoT. We develop the innovative software and hardware systems that power Ocado.com, as well as the unique ‘Ocado Smart Platform’ which is being implemented by ambitious retailers across the world from Europe to America, Asia and beyond.

Ocado Group - UK: https://www.ocadogroup.com/

About the Role As a Category Lead within our Tech Ops Business Area, you will take strategic ownership of international procurement for complex electro-mechanical systems and equipment. In this influential role, you will design and establish global sourcing strategies that align with our future business needs and demand forecasts, ensuring robust long-term cost reduction and high-quality delivery. This position offers an exciting opportunity to drive value and excellence across critical product streams while potentially leading a dedicated procurement team.

Collaboration is central to this role. You will operate as a key partner to a diverse network of internal teams including Supply Planning, Engineering, Manufacturing, Logistics, and Finance, as well as first- and second-tier external suppliers. By building strong relationships and managing complex stakeholder expectations, you will balance production capacity with demand, mitigate supply chain risks, and champion continuous improvement to support Ocado’s scaling global operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Take complete strategic ownership of the assigned category and supplier relationship management for a key product stream.
• Establish and deliver global sourcing strategies designed to satisfy international future business needs and demand forecasts.
• Negotiate, establish, and ensure strict adherence to supplier contractual terms that align with overall company strategy.
• Manage, develop, and coordinate relationships with first- and second-tier key suppliers.
• Drive supplier performance by monitoring relevant KPIs across quality, cost, and delivery criteria.
• Identify, anticipate, and mitigate supply chain risks and challenges to protect continuity of supply.
• Collaborate with the wider Supply Chain team to resolve complex supply issues efficiently.
• Align production capacity and demand between manufacturing partners and Ocado while working within expected budget targets.
• Communicate with diverse business stakeholders to ensure total alignment of project objectives and expectations.
• Recommend and implement process improvements to enhance supply chain robustness and drive continuous improvement.

What We’re Looking For

• Demonstrated success in managing large contract manufacturers, handling contract negotiations, and ensuring compliance.
• A proven track record in effective supplier development, vendor management, and international component sourcing.
• Experience sourcing and procuring electro-mechanical equipment within an engineering or technical environment.
• Strong experience developing, delivering, and scaling company-wide procurement and supply chain strategies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Robust analytical skills combined with commercial awareness to consider the wider business impacts of decisions.
• High level of computer literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Docs, and ERP software.
• Flexibility to travel to sites both within the UK and abroad as required by business needs.

Nice to Haves: 

• Professional qualification from the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) or an equivalent body.
• Relevant academic qualification at a higher national or degree level.

What we can offer: 

Our employee benefits are designed for you, we care about people and we’ve ensured we have a wealth of benefits that focus on your well-being. We regularly review our benefits to ensure we are supporting our employees appropriately. Currently, we offer technically stretching work, a competitive salary and;

• Hybrid working patterns meaning part of the working week can be spent working remotely (typically 3 days per week). However, your working pattern will depend upon your role/team.
• 30 days working from anywhere policy
• Wellbeing support through Apps such as Unmind and an Employee Assistance Programme
• 25 days annual leave, rising to 27 days after 5 years service (plus optional holiday purchase)
• Pension scheme (various options available including employer contribution matching up to 7%)
• Private Medical Insurance
• 22 weeks paid maternity leave and 6 weeks paid paternity leave (once relevant service requirements complete)
• Train Ticket loan (interest-free)
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Opportunity to participate in Sharesave and Buy as You Earn share schemes
• 15% discount on Ocado.com and free delivery for all employees
• Income Protection (can be up to 50% of salary for 3 years)
• Life Assurance (3 x annual salary)

Be bold, be unique, be brilliant, be you. We are looking for individuality and we value diversity. We are an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to treating all applicants and employees fairly and equally. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process and supportive work environment. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application.

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