Category Buyer

Job description

Sulzer is a leading engineering company with a proud heritage of innovation. Join our global team to grow your expertise and develop innovative solutions that enable a prosperous and more sustainable society. About the role At Sulzer, innovation and excellence are at the heart of everything we do. Our Leeds site is an Advanced Pump Design and Manufacturing Facility and a recognised centre of excellence within our global network. From this facility, we engineer and manufacture some of the largest and most complex pump packages in the world, supporting critical infrastructure projects across the energy, water, industrial and renewable sectors worldwide. Due to recently secured major orders and continued business growth, we are seeking a Category Buyer - Fabrications to strengthen our Procurement team and ensure the successful delivery of critical customer projects. What You'll Be Doing Manage the end-to-end procurement process for fabrication and welded assembly requirements. Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing and new suppliers. Source and evaluate suppliers based on capability, quality, delivery performance and commercial competitiveness. Negotiate pricing, contracts and framework agreements to achieve best value. Support project teams with procurement planning for customer orders and manufacturing schedules. Monitor supplier performance and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Identify and mitigate supply chain risks to ensure continuity of supply. Collaborate with Quality and Engineering teams to resolve supplier-related issues. Analyse spend data and market conditions to support category strategy development. Ensure compliance with company policies, procurement procedures and ethical sourcing standards. What We're Looking For Previous purchasing, procurement or category management experience within a manufacturing or engineering environment. Experience sourcing fabricated, welded or machined components would be highly advantageous. Strong commercial awareness with proven negotiation skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced project-driven environment. Experience working with suppliers both locally and internationally. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent stakeholder management and communication abilities. Experience using ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications. Desirable CIPS qualification or progress towards CIPS accreditation. Experience within heavy engineering, rotating equipment, pumps, fabrication, oil & gas, power generation, water, mining or related industries. Understanding of technical engineering drawings and manufacturing processes. What we offer you We’ve recently invested significantly in modernising our Leeds facility — creating a brighter, more efficient, and more advanced workspace designed to support high‑quality work and a great employee experience. Alongside our upgraded facilities, you’ll benefit from: Core Benefits A competitive salary A company-wide bonus scheme Medicash Health Cash Plan (covering everyday healthcare expenses such as dental, optical and GP services) 33 days’ holiday Defined pension contribution Employee Assistance Programmes Discounts on shopping, entertainment & lifestyle Costco membership option Discounted personal car leasing for you, family & friends Long Service Awards Ongoing learning through Sulzer Learning Pathways Armed Forces Support – As a Silver Award holder of the MoD Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, we actively support veterans, reservists and Cadet Adult Volunteers. This includes policies that enable time for training, camps and deployment, alongside access to a growing internal military network. Onsite Perks Free, secure parking with EV charging Multi-faith prayer room Newly modernised work areas Lively Sports & Social Club with events & prize draws 24/7 onsite gym Subsidised vending machines Subsidised Canteen offering hot and cold food Working Pattern This role is primarily site-based in Leeds, reflecting its close connection to our operations and team collaboration. However, we take a positive and flexible approach to ways of working, recognising the importance of balance and autonomy, so ad-hoc home working can be supported where appropriate. Alongside this, we offer a 37-hour working week with a flexi-time policy, giving you the ability to bank hours and take them back as service leave, helping you manage your time in a way that works best for you. Sulzer is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in the strength of a diverse workforce and are committed to offering an inclusive work environment. We are proud to be recognized as a Top Employer 2026 in Brazil, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Switzerland, South Africa, the UK and the USA.