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- Tasks: Lead a team in managing raw materials and packaging for top pet brands.
- Company: Join Pets Choice, the 7th largest pet products company in the UK, known for growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy opportunities for professional development and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven company aiming to be number one in the pet industry!
- Qualifications: 3+ years in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and a knack for analytics required.
- Other info: Work closely with production teams and maintain supplier relationships for optimal efficiency.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Pets Choice is home to fast growing and leading Pet brands including Webbox, TastyBone, Meatiful, Felight, Bob Martin & Vets Kitchen. We are the 7th largest Pet products company in the UK going through continuous and sustainable growth with ambition to be number one, and ambition to be the best that we can be!
To support our growth, we are looking for a Senior Category Buyer / Manager to join our team.
The Senior Category Buyer / Manager will report to the Head of Procurement & Supply Chain, and will have responsibility for leading a team with a primary focus on managing raw materials and packaging for our manufactured products.
Responsibilities include:
- Lead, mentor, and develop your team
- Develop and execute procurement strategies for raw materials and packaging to ensure continuity of production and cost efficiency.
- Establish and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure timely delivery of materials, quality standards, and cost-effectiveness.
- Conduct market analysis to identify trends and potential new suppliers.
- Compliance with environmental standards and regulations.
- Negotiate contracts and pricing agreements with suppliers, ensuring favourable terms for both cost and quality.
- Perform regular supplier performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement or optimisation.
- Monitor supplier risk management, including identifying potential disruptions in supply chains and proactively mitigating risks.
- Work closely with production, planning, and logistics teams to ensure raw material and packaging availability aligns with production schedules and demand forecasts.
- Maintain optimal inventory levels, balancing cost efficiency with the risk of stockouts or excess inventory.
- Manage procurement budgets
- Identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements without compromising on product quality or delivery timelines.
- Implement strategic sourcing initiatives to reduce overall procurement costs.
- Ensure that all raw materials and packaging meet the required quality standards and regulatory compliance.
- Work closely with the quality assurance team to resolve any quality issues that arise with suppliers or materials.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry regulations and best practices.
- Prepare and present regular reports and utilise data analytics to monitor procurement KPIs.
Sound interesting?
We\’re looking for the following skills and competencies:
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in procurement, with a strong focus on raw materials and packaging in the FMCG sector.
- Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on cost optimisation and process improvement.
- Proficiency in procurement software and MS Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint).
Desirable:
- Proven leadership skills
- CIPS or relevant degree
Pets Choice Ltd | Senior Category Manager - Packaging employer: Pets Choice Ltd
Contact Detail:
Pets Choice Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pets Choice Ltd | Senior Category Manager - Packaging
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the latest trends in the FMCG sector, especially regarding raw materials and packaging. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a fast-paced industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement field, particularly those who have experience in the pet products industry. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into best practices.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully negotiated contracts or improved procurement processes in your previous roles. Highlighting these experiences can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing any mentoring or team development experiences you've had. Being able to lead and inspire a team is crucial for this role, so make sure to emphasize your capabilities in this area.
We think you need these skills to ace Pets Choice Ltd | Senior Category Manager - Packaging
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement, especially focusing on raw materials and packaging within the FMCG sector. Use specific examples that demonstrate your negotiation skills and leadership abilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role at Pets Choice Ltd. Discuss how your background aligns with their goals of sustainable growth and quality assurance, and mention any specific achievements in procurement that showcase your capabilities.
Showcase Analytical Skills: Since the role requires strong analytical skills, include examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to conduct market analysis and utilize data analytics to monitor procurement KPIs. This will show that you can contribute to their strategic sourcing initiatives.
Highlight Team Leadership Experience: As the position involves leading and mentoring a team, be sure to highlight any previous leadership roles you've held. Discuss your approach to team development and how you have successfully managed supplier relationships in the past.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pets Choice Ltd
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Category Manager, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully mentored and developed team members in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Negotiation Expertise
Negotiation is key in this role. Prepare specific examples of successful negotiations you've conducted, focusing on how you achieved favorable terms while maintaining quality standards.
✨Highlight Your Analytical Skills
The role requires strong analytical abilities. Be ready to discuss how you've used data analytics to monitor procurement KPIs and identify cost-saving opportunities in previous positions.
✨Understand Industry Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in the FMCG sector, especially regarding raw materials and packaging. Showing that you are knowledgeable about market dynamics will impress your interviewers.
