Category Manager - Direct Materials - Raw Materials & Actives

Overview

We are looking for a dynamic individual who has appropriate procurement experience to meet the needs of the key Category Manager responsibilities, working within a fast-paced environment. The role is in the Luxury Cosmetic or Personal Care industry, with a global remit in sourcing and cost reduction activities. The individual will own the commercial relationships with suppliers across Raw Material (RM) related categories and manage relationships with Third Party Manufacturers (TPMs), focusing on margin and supply chain risk. A lead role will be taken in managing relationships with key suppliers of raw materials and active ingredients to our TPMs. Key projects include defining a Sourcing Strategy for Raw Materials and Actives, working with Product, Regulatory and Supply Chain Planning teams to source effectively, achieve best commercials, deliver projects on time and minimise risk, especially from regulatory changes. The role involves project managing ad-hoc support projects.

Responsibilities

• Specialist RM Sourcing: work with regulatory teams and suppliers to identify future materials and, with legal support, leverage relationships for IP/exclusivity at RM level in CT formulations.
• \’Directed\’ Buy Cost Management & Savings: manage high volume & specialist active RMs across multiple TPMs; negotiate direct deals with RM suppliers and TPMs on unit costs of key RM items.
• Activation Gate Support: build relationships across TPMs and with RM supply base to apply pressure for cost avoidance; investigate TPM-guided RM change requests with options to maintain current material.
• Horizon Scanning: map risk/priority RM items via direct manufacturer/distributor relationships; plan ahead with Regulatory and supplier on future regulatory impacts.
• Packaging Procurement Category Support: collaborate with the Packaging Category Manager to identify cost trends across key plastic commodities.
• New Product Development: ensure a sustainable and competitive sourcing solution for Innovation with a minimum 3-year lifecycle from RM supplier/distributor perspective.
• VAVE: define and manage cost and efficiency-focused VAVE pipeline for key RM items with Regs/Product teams.
• SRM: act as the key commercial relationship holder with RM suppliers, maintaining strong relationships and ensuring a efficient and profitable supply chain; assess performance and drive improvements with suppliers.
• Onboarding: redefine onboarding for directed buys ensuring regulatory and ESG compliance relevant to CT organization.
• Contract Negotiation: lead contract negotiations with new/existing suppliers to ensure competitive pricing and favourable terms, in collaboration with Legal and other internal departments.
• Category Strategy: develop and implement a comprehensive sourcing strategy across existing supplier roster, fill gaps/risk areas, and source innovative specialist suppliers aligned with Financial, Quality, Regulatory, ESG, Supply Chain and Legal requirements.
• Cost Management: identify cost-saving opportunities, benchmark market trends, and negotiate terms in line with Global Procurement Director\’s annual savings targets.
• Support to Operations: manage performance via TPMs on quality and cost-related claims/issues as the first escalation point after TPMs’ own Supply Chain, Quality and NPD.
• Compliance and Sustainability: stay updated on tariffs, regulations, and manufacturing practices; drive sustainable sourcing initiatives.
• Index Tracking: monitor market indexes and pricing trends for commodities and RMs by region; identify cost-saving opportunities with attention to plastic pricing trends.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: work with Marketing, NPD, Pack Development, ESG, Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, Legal, Finance and Tax to align sourcing with business objectives and communicate requirements to suppliers.
• PUIG Synergies: identify and implement sourcing synergies with PUIG teams, including MSAs, joint Business Reviews and site visits.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in global procurement/strategic sourcing, within luxury cosmetics or personal care.
• Experience with Monday.com and Power BI to optimise workflows, track projects, and drive data-driven decisions.
• Deep RM market knowledge, global market dynamics and pricing trends, including index tracking methodologies.
• Strong experience of buying colour cosmetics and skincare products; knowledge of the industry landscape, supplier capabilities, and manufacturing processes for cosmetic products; demonstrated cost savings in this category.
• Analytical mindset and strong data analysis skills, including Excel (VLOOKUP, nested IFs, pivot tables, etc.).
• Familiarity with QA and compliance standards in the cosmetics industry.
• Familiarity with risk management, contract negotiation, and legal aspects of sourcing.
• Low-Cost Country Sourcing background is a plus.
• Comfort with ambiguous or incomplete information.
• Experience with source-to-contract e-sourcing tools is advantageous.

About the Company

Charlotte Tilbury Beauty was founded by British makeup artist and beauty entrepreneur Charlotte Tilbury MBE in 2013. The brand has grown to become a global leader, operating in 50 countries with over 2,300 employees and ongoing expansion across markets and categories. The company emphasises disruptive thinking, teamwork, and growth while supporting a diverse, inclusive culture. We offer a hybrid work model and a range of benefits including holidays, parental leave, pension and life assurance, wellness programs, pet-friendly days, and employee discounts. Our mission is to empower everyone to be the best version of themselves.