At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement initiatives and drive innovation in ingredient categories.
- Company: Join a global leader in the food and FMCG industry with a focus on diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health plan, staff discounts, and generous family leave policy.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and continuous learning in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping procurement strategies and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in strategic procurement; experience in food or FMCG preferred.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Senior Commercial Procurement Category Manager is responsible for the end-to-end strategy, value creation, and innovation enablement across strategically critical ingredients and pre‑mix direct material categories. This role serves as a strategic business partner to R&D, Operations, Commercial, Product Strategic Management (PSM), and Finance—delivering competitive advantage through supply market intelligence, supplier innovation, total cost leadership, and speed‑to‑market enablement.
Key Accountabilities
- Category Strategy & Value Roadmap: Develop and execute multi-year category strategies aligned to enterprise growth objectives. Build and manage value creation roadmaps (cost savings, avoidance, innovation, working capital, resilience). Serve as Regional or Global Category Owner as assigned. Deliver measurable procurement value contribution. Embed procurement into the product development lifecycle. Enable rapid sourcing solutions for new product launches. Partner with R&D to identify innovative suppliers and emerging technologies. Reduce commercialization cycle time through proactive supplier engagement. Develop should-cost and total cost of ownership models. Lead complex negotiations and contracting strategies. Model make‑vs‑buy and scenario-based cost analysis. Drive transparent savings tracking and benefit realization. Act as Supplier Relationship Owner for strategic suppliers. Lead quarterly and annual executive supplier reviews. Drive joint innovation and cost‑reduction initiatives. Establish KPIs, scorecards, and performance governance.
- Risk & Supply Assurance: Monitor global market trends and commodity risks. Develop risk mitigation and dual‑sourcing strategies. Lead business continuity planning within category.
- Procurement Governance & Process Leadership: Lead end‑to‑end sourcing events (RFI/RFQ/RFP). Ensure compliance with procurement policies and contracting standards. Own or co‑own major Procurement Work Processes. Drive continuous improvement in sourcing methodologies.
- Cross‑Functional & Executive Partnership: Build alignment across Operations, Finance, R&D, Quality, and Commercial teams. Present strategy and value outcomes to senior leadership.
- People Leadership & Capability Development: Lead and develop a team of sourcing professionals. Shape organization design and resource allocation. Drive talent development and succession planning. Own relationship between Commercial/PSM and Category. Lead Customer RFP pricing responsibilities. Prepare and present market intelligence reports to Commercial/PSM. Support Traded division with market pricing and portfolio building opportunities.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance, or related field.
- 7+ years progressive strategic procurement experience in food, ingredient, or FMCG industry.
- 3+ years leading complex cross‑functional projects.
- MBA or CPSM/CPM certification preferred.
- Demonstrated experience in innovation sourcing and category strategy ownership.
Where and how you will work: The opportunity will be based in Middlesbrough, UK.
What we would like to offer you! The opportunity to develop your career on a global stage, continuous learning through an on‑demand learning platform, and a competitive compensation package including staff discounts, generous family leave policy, health plan, competitive salary.
At Glanbia, we celebrate diversity, because we know that our individual strengths make us stronger together. We welcome and encourage interest from a variety of candidates, and will give your application consideration, without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status. At Glanbia, our culture celebrates individuality, knowing that together we are more.
Senior Commercial Procurement Category Manager employer: Glanbia Nutritionals, Inc.
Glanbia is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for a Senior Commercial Procurement Category Manager to thrive. With a commitment to employee development through continuous learning opportunities and a competitive benefits package, including generous family leave and health plans, Glanbia empowers its team members to grow their careers on a global stage. Located in Middlesbrough, the company values diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that every individual’s unique strengths contribute to the collective success of the organisation.
Contact Details:
Glanbia Nutritionals, Inc. Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial Procurement Category Manager
✨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 Glanbia Nutritionals, Inc..
✨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 Senior Commercial Procurement Category Manager
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 Glanbia Nutritionals, Inc.:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Glanbia Nutritionals, Inc.. 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 Glanbia Nutritionals, Inc..
How to prepare for a job interview at Glanbia Nutritionals, Inc.
✨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 Glanbia Nutritionals, Inc.!
✨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 Glanbia Nutritionals, Inc.. 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 Glanbia Nutritionals, Inc.'s culture.
