Category Manager - Raw Material

Category Manager - Raw Material

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and supplier relationships to optimise costs and ensure supply security.
  • Company: Join Orkla House Care, a leader in painting tools with a global presence.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability and cost efficiency in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in strategic procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
  • Other info: Collaborate with international teams and enjoy a supportive workplace culture.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Supply chain and production Legal Entity: LG Harris & Co Limited. Job Type: Permanent. Job Location: United Kingdom, Job Posting City: Bromsgrove.

Orkla House Care is 100% owned by Orkla ASA and is the leading provider of brushes, rollers and other painting tools, including relevant consumables such as sanding, tape, protection gear and cleaning equipment. The main markets are the Nordic countries, Benelux and the UK. The main proprietary brands are Jordan, Harris, Anza, Spekter, SAM and Hamilton. Sales are mainly through traditional paint shops and trade merchants. The business has around 750 employees and the total business has a turnover of approximately 1.5 billion Norwegian kroner. Most of the products are self-produced and distributed through Bankeryd in Sweden, and Bromsgrove in the UK.

This is a key role within our global procurement team, created to strengthen our sourcing strategies and secure supply for critical raw materials. Our organisation is on an exciting journey of transformation, and together we will shape how this role evolves to meet future needs. You will become part of a professional and international procurement team, represented across Sweden, Denmark, England, Benelux, and China, with our parent company based in Norway. We are looking for someone who thrives on building strong supplier partnerships, driving cost improvements, and contributing to the next chapter of procurement at Orkla House Care.

What you’ll do:

  • Develop and implement category strategies aligned with OHC's global procurement framework.
  • Lead commercial processes: supplier selection, RFQs, benchmarking, negotiations, and contract management.
  • Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships to drive cost optimization and continuous improvement.
  • Identify alternative sources of supply and manage supply risk through contingency planning.
  • Support sustainability goals by ensuring compliance with ethical sourcing and carbon reduction initiatives.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Quality, and Production to align strategies and resolve challenges.
  • Report cost improvement initiatives and maintain accurate documentation in procurement systems.

What you bring:

  • A strong background in strategic procurement (minimum 5 years), ideally within a global organization.
  • Experience in category management and B2B supplier relationships.
  • Excellent negotiation, analytical, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and familiarity with eProcurement tools and spend analytics.
  • A proactive, structured approach with high personal drive and adaptability.
  • Fluent English (oral and written).

What’s in it for you?

  • A role with real impact on cost efficiency, sustainability, and supply security.
  • Visibility and collaboration across global teams.
  • A culture that values integrity, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
  • Opportunities to grow, learn, and shape the future of procurement.
  • Competitive salary and benefits package.

Practicalities:

  • Reports to: Head of Raw Material Sourcing (based in Sweden)
  • Travel: International travel required
  • Work arrangement: Minimum On-site 3 days per week

We value diversity and encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of gender, age, background, or abilities. If you are motivated and have relevant experience, we welcome your application - even if you don’t meet every requirement. We believe that different skills and experiences bring unique value, and you might be the right fit for our team. At Orkla House Care, you can be part of an international company with a dynamic and supportive work environment. We value collaboration, development, and innovation, and you can work closely with engaged colleagues across borders. We offer flexibility, including the possibility to work from home a few days a week.

Please submit your application by February 13th at the latest. If you have any questions related to the role, you are welcome to contact our Head of Raw Material Sourcing, Marie Asliden, marie.asliden@orkla.se. For more information about Orkla House Care, please visit our website: https://www.orklahousecare.com/ We look forward to receiving your application!

Category Manager - Raw Material employer: Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)

At Orkla House Care, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in Bromsgrove. Our culture values integrity, inclusion, and continuous improvement, providing employees with opportunities for growth and collaboration across global teams. With a competitive salary and benefits package, along with the flexibility to work from home, we empower our team members to make a real impact on cost efficiency and sustainability in procurement.
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Contact Detail:

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Raw Material

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products and values, especially since Orkla House Care focuses on sustainability and innovation. Tailor your answers to show how you align with their mission.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence before the real deal.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Orkla House Care.

We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Raw Material

Strategic Procurement
Category Management
B2B Supplier Relationships
Negotiation Skills
Analytical Skills
Stakeholder Management
Microsoft 365 Proficiency
eProcurement Tools Familiarity
Spend Analytics
Cost Optimization
Supply Risk Management
Sustainability Compliance
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Proactive Approach
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your strategic procurement experience and any relevant achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how your background fits into our exciting journey!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention your experience in building supplier relationships and driving cost improvements.

Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your negotiation and analytical skills in your application. We’re looking for someone who can manage supplier relationships effectively, so give us examples of how you've done this in the past!

Apply Through Our Website: Remember, we only accept applications through our website, so make sure to follow the link provided in the job posting. It’s the easiest way for us to review your application and get you on board!

How to prepare for a job interview at Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you understand the key aspects of category management and procurement. Brush up on your knowledge of sourcing strategies, supplier relationships, and cost optimisation techniques. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're the right fit for the role.

✨Showcase Your Experience

Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your skills in negotiation, stakeholder management, and strategic procurement. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements effectively.

✨Research the Company

Familiarise yourself with Orkla House Care's products, values, and market presence. Understanding their commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing will allow you to align your answers with their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare insightful questions about the company's procurement strategies, team dynamics, and future challenges. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values and work style.

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