Category Manager in Birmingham

Category Manager in Birmingham

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

  • Tasks: Develop and execute innovative sourcing strategies for key categories in a dynamic team.
  • Company: Join JBT Marel, a leading global food processing company with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Opportunities for personal development, teamwork, and a focus on continuous improvement.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in the food industry while growing your career in a fast-paced environment.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or Business; experience in sourcing and strong negotiation skills.
  • Other info: Travel opportunities and a chance to work with international suppliers.

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

We are growing our Prepared Foods EMEA Sourcing team and are therefore looking for a Category Manager to join us in Adlington! You will be a member of the PF Sourcing team, working for the JBT Marel PF and collaborating closely with all functions within the organization. In this role you will develop and execute sourcing strategies for key direct categories, delivering innovation & excellent cost, delivery, and quality.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute sourcing strategies for key direct categories, delivering innovation & excellent cost, delivery, and quality.
  • Lead the source‑to‑contract process and work as an integral part of development projects with supply market research, supplier qualification, early supplier involvement, RFQs, negotiations, and contracting.
  • Manage supplier relationships within your category area, achieving excellent performance, continuous improvements, and cost reductions from a preferred supplier base.
  • Identify opportunities, act as a change agent, and lead implementation of cost‑reduction and value‑increasing initiatives within the supply chain to achieve aggressive targets.
  • Travel approximately 40 days per year to support an international supplier base.

Qualifications & Skills

  • Degree within Engineering or Business.
  • Experienced sourcing professional, preferably with experience from working in an international manufacturing organization and sourcing environment.
  • Experience in Eastern Europe is a merit.
  • Excellent communication in English, with other language skills considered an advantage.
  • Strong negotiation skills and business acumen.
  • Interest in technology and manufacturing is preferred.

What We Offer

We offer you the opportunity to work in an established international and fast‑growing company. We create opportunities for colleagues for personal development and a work environment where individual initiatives are valued. We have a strong focus on continuous development and improvement, and always together as a team.

How to Apply

We welcome you to apply by sending us your CV and a short presentation of yourself. Press the Apply button to begin your application. This position may be filled before the application deadline. Please note that we do not handle applications sent by email.

Contact

Do you have any questions about the position? Please contact Jimmy Wikhäll, Director Sourcing Operations, at jimmy.wikhall@jbtc.com.

About JBT Marel

JBT Marel is an international market leading company in the global food processing industry. We have offices in more than 100 countries all over the world. We are growing both organically and by acquisitions and are continuously looking for new employees that want to grow with us! We offer you the growth potential of a company with a developing technology that is unique in its field, plus a collaborative working environment where your individuality, imagination and talent will be recognized and rewarded.

Category Manager in Birmingham employer: JBT Marel

JBT Marel is an exceptional employer located in Adlington, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment where individual initiatives are highly valued. As a Category Manager, you will benefit from personal development opportunities within a fast-growing international company, while contributing to innovative sourcing strategies that drive excellence in the food processing industry. With a strong focus on continuous improvement and teamwork, JBT Marel provides a unique platform for professional growth and recognition of your talents.
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Contact Detail:

JBT Marel Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Birmingham

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at JBT Marel or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just help you land that Category Manager role.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its sourcing strategies. Show us that you understand their needs and how you can contribute to delivering innovation and cost reductions. Tailor your examples to highlight your negotiation skills and experience in international environments.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you note to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the position.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and ready to take on the challenges of a Category Manager.

We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Birmingham

Sourcing Strategies
Supplier Relationship Management
Negotiation Skills
Cost Reduction Initiatives
Supply Market Research
Supplier Qualification
Project Management
Business Acumen
Communication Skills
Change Management
Interest in Technology and Manufacturing
Experience in International Manufacturing
Fluency in English
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in sourcing and any relevant achievements that showcase your skills in negotiation and supplier management.

Craft a Compelling Introduction: In your presentation, kick things off with a strong introduction about yourself. Share your passion for sourcing and how your background aligns with our mission at JBT Marel. We want to see your personality shine through!

Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you’ve delivered innovation or cost reductions in previous roles. Numbers speak volumes, so include metrics where possible.

Follow the Application Process: Remember, we only accept applications through our website, so make sure to hit that 'Apply' button! Double-check your documents before submitting to ensure everything is polished and professional.

How to prepare for a job interview at JBT Marel

✨Know Your Categories

Before the interview, dive deep into the specific categories you'll be managing. Understand the current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the prepared foods sector. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also your expertise in sourcing strategies.

✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills

Prepare examples of past negotiations where you achieved significant cost reductions or improved supplier relationships. Be ready to discuss your approach and the outcomes, as this role heavily relies on strong negotiation skills.

✨Demonstrate Your Communication Prowess

Since excellent communication is key, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider how you would explain complex sourcing strategies to different stakeholders within the organisation, showcasing your ability to adapt your communication style.

✨Highlight Your International Experience

If you have experience working in international environments, especially in Eastern Europe, make sure to highlight this. Discuss how this experience has shaped your understanding of global sourcing and supplier management, which is crucial for this role.

Category Manager in Birmingham
JBT Marel
Location: Birmingham

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