At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage diverse product categories and drive strategy for sales and profitability.
- Company: Award-winning global packaging manufacturer with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic team environment, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Supportive team culture with a focus on innovation and development.
- Why this job: Join a forward-thinking company and make a real impact in the packaging industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
EP Group is an award winning, global packaging manufacturer with production facilities across Europe and South East Asia.
Our global headquarters in Birmingham is home to our dedicated paper manufacturing division providing a wide range of food packaging products for the likes of Mc Donalds, Amazon, Marks & Spencer and Greggs.
We are fully BRC accredited, delivering globally recognised standards in quality, safety and responsibility.
We are now seeking a Category Manager to join our dynamic purchasing team to autonomously manage a diverse category and product range.
The role will involve working with existing suppliers and sourcing new suppliers on a global basis to best support our needs and the needs of our customers.
Reporting into the Head of Purchasing, you will be supported by a team of Category Assistants to develop and drive the category strategy and grow the category in terms of sales and profitability.
- Key Accountabilities
- Creation and execution of category strategy to grow the category in terms of both sales and profitability.
- Develop Category plans in line with strategy.
- Develop annual calendar of supplier tenders.
- Drive best cost first time initiatives through the purchasing department.
- Plan for future development within the category and wider business requirements.
- Plan supplier and trade show visits.
- Supplier base management to ensure company is dealing with the most appropriate suppliers to deliver its objectives.
- Understanding processes and costs involved with manufacturing, raw materials and distribution through to end use.
- Drive innovation working with internal departments to develop new ideas to future proof the business.
- Category and product life-cycle management.
- Holistic category and product knowledge to provide subject matter expertise both internally and to customers.
- Being the final point of escalation for internal stakeholder issues within the purchasing department.
- Experience of managing a category within a purchasing function
- Experience in retail, packaging or FMCG would be a distinct advantage
- Be results focussed and be able to demonstrate a record of successful cost reduction activities
- Be an experienced negotiator
- Demonstrated experience of driving a category strategy with clear achievements in terms of profitability, reduced spend or increased margins
- Be able to work autonomously and as part of a team
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Category Manager in Birmingham employer: EP Group
EP Group is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration within the packaging industry. Located in Birmingham, our global headquarters provides employees with opportunities for professional growth and development, supported by a dedicated team and a commitment to quality and sustainability. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking company that values your contributions and encourages you to drive impactful category strategies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Birmingham
✨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 EP Group.
✨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 Manager in Birmingham
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 EP Group:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to EP Group. 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 EP Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at EP Group
✨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 EP Group!
✨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 EP Group. 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 EP Group's culture.
