This is an opportunity to take ownership of a specialist technical category where your decisions genuinely influence customer productivity, supplier strategy and business growth.
As our Machine Optimisation Category Manager, you'll lead the development of a portfolio covering workholding, measuring, inspection and machine performance solutions. You'll work closely with some of the industry's leading brands, drive innovation and play a key role in shaping MSC's future product offering.
Perfect for someone with a background in machining, manufacturing engineering, tooling or industrial distribution who wants to take the next step in their career.
What You'll Be Doing
Lead Category Strategy & Growth
- Own and develop the Machine Optimisation category strategy
- Drive category growth through innovative products and supplier partnerships
- Identify emerging trends in automation, smart manufacturing, and machining technologies
- Work closely with suppliers to bring new solutions to market
Help Customers Improve Productivity
- Support initiatives focused on machine performance, process optimisation, and manufacturing efficiency
- Collaborate with Sales and Technical teams to deliver customer-focused solutions
- Recommend products that enhance machining accuracy, reliability, and repeatability
- Support applications across milling, turning, and multi-axis machining environments
Build Profitable Product Portfolios
- Optimise product ranges across premium and value-led solutions
- Negotiate supplier agreements and maximise category profitability
- Identify cross-selling opportunities across tooling, workholding, measurement, and inspection solutions
- Develop category roadmaps aligned to customer needs and industry trends
Be the Technical Expert
- Act as the internal subject matter expert for Workholding, Toolholding, Measuring & Inspection products
- Evaluate new technologies such as quick-change systems, modular workholding, probing, and in-process inspection
- Partner with Marketing to create engaging technical content and customer propositions
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone with a blend of technical knowledge and commercial awareness who can confidently engage with suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders.
Essential Experience
Category Management experience (2+ years)
Technical Knowledge In One Or More Of:
- Workholding systems
- Measuring & Inspection equipment
- Toolholding solutions
- CNC machine accessories
- Manufacturing or machining environments
You'll Also Bring:
- Understanding of manufacturing processes and productivity drivers
- Knowledge of machining tolerances, accuracy, and process optimisation
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills
- Ability to translate technical features into customer value
- A collaborative and commercially minded approach
Why Join MSC?
At MSC, we're building an industry-leading product offering supported by talented, passionate people. You'll join a business where your expertise is valued, your ideas are welcomed, and your development is supported.
We believe great people are defined by:
- Connections – Building strong relationships and delivering outstanding customer experiences
- Thinking – Solving problems, learning quickly, and adapting to change
- Creativity – Finding innovative solutions and embracing new ideas
- Drive – Bringing energy, ambition, and enthusiasm to everything you do
If you're looking for a role where you can influence strategy, work with leading suppliers, and help shape the future of manufacturing productivity, we'd love to hear from you.
Benefits
- Company Car
- Private Medical Insurance
- Company Pension
- Hybrid Working
- Additional Leave
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Employee Discount
- Health & Wellbeing Programme
- Referral Programme
- Sick Pay
- Casual Dress
- Company Events
- Free On-Site Parking
Pay: £50,000.00-£55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
