At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sourcing strategies and build supplier partnerships in packaging and print.
- Company: Join TMS Global, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse culture, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make an impact on sustainability while working with top global brands.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing or packaging, strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced sourcing or category professional with expertise in packaging, print and POS? We're looking for a Category Specialist to join our European Sourcing team and help deliver commercial value, supplier innovation, and sustainable sourcing solutions for some of the world's leading brands.
TMS Global, part of DS Smith, is a global leader in sustainable packaging and retail solutions. Operating in 97 markets with a team of 300+ across APAC, LATAM, EMEA and North America, we partner with leading global brands to deliver innovative print, packaging, and display solutions.
As Category Specialist, you'll be the category expert for print, packaging and POS, responsible for identifying sourcing opportunities, developing supplier partnerships, and driving commercial value across the European region. Working closely with client-facing teams, suppliers, and internal stakeholders, you'll identify and deliver opportunities to improve cost, quality, performance, and supply chain resilience while supporting contractual commitments and driving overall supply base effectiveness.
Key Responsibilities:- Partner with the Global Category Lead to develop, implement, and continuously evolve the category sourcing strategy
- Build, manage, and strengthen supplier relationships
- Lead value delivery initiatives and competitive sourcing activities aligned to supplier and spend segmentation
- Deliver measurable cost savings through negotiation, total cost of ownership initiatives, and commercial strategy optimisation
- Support client-facing teams to maximise gross profit margins
- Monitor market trends, supplier developments, and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for innovation and value creation
- Provide category and product expertise to internal stakeholders
- Regularly benchmark and review the supplier base to ensure alignment with internal and client requirements
- Support tenders and RFQs for new business and contract renewals
- Ensure data integrity, auditability, and accurate tracking of savings in line with commercial strategy
- Work with Sourcing Operations to resolve supplier performance issues and escalations
- Identify and mitigate supply risks, ensuring continuity and resilience
About You
This role would suit someone who thrives in a fast-paced, matrix environment and enjoys collaborating across teams and geographies. You'll bring strong analytical capability, attention to detail, and a proactive, solutions-focused mindset. The ideal candidate will have experience in the following areas:
- A background in Manufacturing or Packaging, with Print experience is essential. Experience of POS would be desirable.
- Proven experience managing supplier relationships, leading commercial negotiations, driving quality performance, and resolving supplier issues.
- Proven experience managing internal and external stakeholders
- Demonstrated success delivering commercial value through cost reduction, supplier optimisation, and category management initiatives.
- Strong project management capability
- Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel
If this role sounds like an exciting opportunity and you believe you have the skills and experience to succeed, we'd love to hear from you.
To achieve our aim of being among the most successful, sustainable and responsible companies in the world, we aim to build a diverse, motivated, and engaged workforce. Our goal is to create a culture of inclusion where everyone is treated fairly, differences are valued, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.
Our people come from diverse backgrounds, bring different perspectives, ideas and experiences to generate unique solutions focused on present and future sustainability challenges. We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.
Category Specialist in Manchester employer: DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED
At DS Smith, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises safety, quality, and employee development. As the General Manager at our Featherstone site, you'll lead a passionate team in a high-performing environment, with ample opportunities for personal and professional growth, competitive benefits, and a commitment to sustainability. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the packaging industry while fostering a culture where every colleague feels valued and empowered.
Contact Details:
DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Specialist in Manchester
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Specialist in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED.
How to prepare for a job interview at DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED's culture.
