At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for Base Film category, focusing on cost savings and sustainability.
- Company: Join a global consumer goods company making an impact in the packaging industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Be part of a strategic role that drives innovation and sustainability in packaging.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in direct procurement, preferably in FMCG with packaging expertise.
- Other info: Opportunity to work cross-functionally and build global supplier relationships.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 Β£ per year.
Global Category Manager β Packaging
Salary: Β£60k – Β£65k (+Β£5k car allowance)
Location: London (Hybrid β 3 days in office)
JSS have partnered with a global consumer goods company who are seeking an experienced procurement professional to lead its Base Film category (approx. Β£41m spend) within the Flexible Packaging portfolio.
This is a strategic role focused on delivering value across cost savings, innovation, sustainability, supply continuity, and cash flow improvement. The successful candidate will work cross-functionally with R&D, Finance, Operations, and regional procurement teams, and will build and manage key supplier relationships globally.
Key responsibilities include:
- Developing and implementing a 2β3 year sourcing strategy
- Driving supplier innovation and sustainability in packaging
- Leading contract negotiations and global supplier agreements
- Building cost models and supporting commodity risk management
- Leading cross-regional collaboration and best practice sharing
Candidate profile:
- 3+ yearsβ experience in direct procurement, ideally in FMCG
- Expertise in packaging or base films (PET, BOPP, CPP, etc.)
- Strong commercial, analytical, and influencing skills
- Experience working in a matrix or global organisation
- Based in or near London, with flexibility to travel as needed
Global Category Manager employer: JSS Search
Contact Detail:
JSS Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Global Category Manager
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in flexible packaging and sustainability. This will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to innovation, which is crucial for the Global Category Manager role.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the FMCG and packaging sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the company culture and expectations.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading cross-functional teams. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully collaborated with R&D, Finance, or Operations, as this is a key aspect of the role.
β¨Tip Number 4
Research the company's current suppliers and their sustainability initiatives. Being knowledgeable about their existing partnerships will allow you to propose innovative ideas and improvements during your discussions with them.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Category Manager
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement, especially in packaging or base films. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise and achievements in cost savings, supplier innovation, and contract negotiations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that connects your background to the key responsibilities of the Global Category Manager role. Emphasise your experience in leading sourcing strategies and managing supplier relationships, and express your enthusiasm for working in a global organisation.
Highlight Cross-Functional Collaboration: In your application, mention any experience you have working with R&D, Finance, and Operations teams. Showcase your ability to drive collaboration and share best practices across regions, as this is crucial for the role.
Showcase Analytical Skills: Demonstrate your strong analytical skills by including examples of how you've built cost models or managed commodity risks in previous roles. This will help illustrate your capability to deliver value in the procurement process.
How to prepare for a job interview at JSS Search
β¨Showcase Your Procurement Expertise
Make sure to highlight your experience in direct procurement, especially within the FMCG sector. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed categories similar to Base Film and the impact of your strategies on cost savings and supplier relationships.
β¨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
Since this role involves working with various teams like R&D, Finance, and Operations, be ready to share instances where you've effectively collaborated across departments. This will show your ability to navigate a matrix organisation and drive results through teamwork.
β¨Prepare for Contract Negotiation Scenarios
Expect questions around contract negotiations and supplier agreements. Prepare to discuss your approach to leading these negotiations, including any challenges you've faced and how you overcame them to secure favourable terms for your company.
β¨Emphasise Innovation and Sustainability
Given the focus on driving supplier innovation and sustainability in packaging, come equipped with ideas or examples of how you've previously implemented sustainable practices or innovations in your procurement processes. This will align well with the company's strategic goals.