Category Manager - Raw Material

Category Manager - Raw Material

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead sourcing strategies and build strong supplier partnerships for critical raw materials.
  • Company: Join Orkla House Care, a leader in painting tools with a global presence.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability and cost efficiency in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in strategic procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
  • Other info: Be part of an international team that values diversity and collaboration.

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

Orkla House Care is 100% owned by Orkla ASA and is the leading provider of brushes, rollers, and other painting tools, including relevant consumables such as sanding, tape, protection gear, and cleaning equipment. The main markets are the Nordic countries, Benelux, and the UK. The business has around 750 employees and a turnover of approximately 1.5 billion Norwegian kroner. Most products are self-produced and distributed through Bankeryd in Sweden and Bromsgrove in the UK.

This is a key role within our global procurement team, created to strengthen our sourcing strategies and secure supply for critical raw materials. You will become part of a professional and international procurement team, represented across Sweden, Denmark, England, Benelux, and China, with our parent company based in Norway. We’re looking for someone who thrives on building strong supplier partnerships, driving cost improvements, and contributing to the next chapter of procurement at Orkla House Care.

What you’ll do:

  • Develop and implement category strategies aligned with OHC’s global procurement framework.
  • Lead commercial processes: supplier selection, RFQs, benchmarking, negotiations, and contract management.
  • Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships to drive cost optimization and continuous improvement.
  • Identify alternative sources of supply and manage supply risk through contingency planning.
  • Support sustainability goals by ensuring compliance with ethical sourcing and carbon reduction initiatives.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Quality, and Production to align strategies and resolve challenges.
  • Report cost improvement initiatives and maintain accurate documentation in procurement systems.

What you bring:

  • A strong background in strategic procurement (minimum 5 years), ideally within a global organization.
  • Experience in category management and B2B supplier relationships.
  • Excellent negotiation, analytical, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and familiarity with eProcurement tools and spend analytics.
  • A proactive, structured approach with high personal drive and adaptability.
  • Fluent English (oral and written).

What’s in it for you?

  • A role with real impact on cost efficiency, sustainability, and supply security.
  • Visibility and collaboration across global teams.
  • A culture that values integrity, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
  • Opportunities to grow, learn, and shape the future of procurement.
  • Competitive salary and benefits package.

We value diversity and encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of gender, age, background, or abilities. If you are motivated and have relevant experience, we welcome your application - even if you don’t meet every requirement. We believe that different skills and experiences bring unique value, and you might be the right fit for our team.

At Orkla House Care, you can be part of an international company with a dynamic and supportive work environment. We value collaboration, development, and innovation, and you can work closely with engaged colleagues across borders. We offer flexibility, including the possibility to work from home a few days a week.

Please submit your application by February 13th at the latest. If you have any questions related to the role, you are welcome to contact our Head of Raw Material Sourcing, Marie Asliden, at marie.asliden@orkla.se. We look forward to receiving your application!

Category Manager - Raw Material employer: Orkla Foods Danmark A/S

Orkla House Care is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in Bromsgrove, where collaboration and innovation thrive. Employees benefit from a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, alongside opportunities for professional growth within a global procurement team that values integrity and inclusion. With the flexibility to work from home and a commitment to sustainability, Orkla House Care is dedicated to shaping the future of procurement while ensuring a meaningful impact on cost efficiency and supply security.
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Contact Detail:

Orkla Foods Danmark A/S Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Raw Material

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We recommend practicing common interview questions and having a few of your own ready. Show them you’re genuinely interested in their mission and how you can contribute to their goals.

✨Tip Number 3

Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We suggest mentioning something specific from your conversation to remind them why you’re a great fit for the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make this happen together!

We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Raw Material

Strategic Procurement
Category Management
Supplier Relationship Management
Negotiation Skills
Analytical Skills
Stakeholder Management
Microsoft 365 Proficiency
eProcurement Tools Familiarity
Spend Analytics
Cost Optimization
Contingency Planning
Sustainability Compliance
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Proactive Approach
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your strategic procurement experience and any relevant achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about procurement and how your skills match what we're looking for. Be sure to mention your experience with supplier relationships and cost optimisation.

Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your negotiation and analytical skills in your application. We’re keen on seeing how you’ve used these skills in past roles, especially in a global context. Make it clear how you can contribute to our exciting journey of transformation!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Orkla Foods Danmark A/S

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into Orkla House Care's products and their procurement strategies. Familiarise yourself with their brands like Jordan and Harris, and understand the market dynamics in the Nordic countries and the UK. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and how you can contribute to their goals.

✨Showcase Your Experience

Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your strategic procurement experience, especially in category management. Be ready to discuss how you've built supplier relationships and driven cost improvements. This will show them you have the hands-on experience they’re looking for.

✨Ask Smart Questions

During the interview, ask insightful questions about their sustainability goals and how they align with your values. Inquire about the challenges they face in sourcing raw materials and how you can help overcome them. This shows you're not just interested in the role but also in the company's mission.

✨Be Yourself

While it's important to be professional, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. Orkla House Care values diversity and inclusion, so being authentic will help you connect with the interviewers. Share your passion for procurement and how you can bring a fresh perspective to their team.

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