At a Glance
- Tasks: Own and manage packaging categories, driving strategy and supplier relationships.
- Company: Established packaging supplier with over 20 years of industry experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, health cash plan, and catered lunches.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to influence key business strategies.
- Why this job: Shape procurement processes and drive innovation in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management or procurement, especially with international suppliers.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
We are a supplier of packaging services with 20+ years of experience in the retail, FMCG, ecommerce, 3PL, pharma and automotive sectors. We are looking for an experienced Category Manager or senior Supply/Procurement professional who can take full ownership of strategic categories within our growing packaging group, specifically Labels, Bags and Envelopes with exposure to the Far East.
Salary & Location
£50,000 - £60,000 Kempston
Benefits
- 23 days holiday + bank
- Health Cash Plan
- Life Insurance 2x salary
- Catered Lunches
- Salary Exchange Pension
The Role
- Own and manage assigned packaging categories, developing and executing long-term category strategies
- Lead supplier selection, performance management, and commercial negotiations at a senior level
- Manage and develop overseas supplier relationships
- Ensure all products and materials meet quality and regulatory standards
- Work closely with sales, operations, and technical teams to align category strategy with customer demand
- Identify and mitigate supply and commercial risk while controlling cost and availability
- Drive continuous improvement, innovation and cost-saving initiatives within categories
- Play a key role in shaping procurement and category management processes across the group
- Support business growth through effective range management and supplier collaboration
About You
- Proven experience in category management, procurement or supply chain within packaging or similar industry
- Strong strategic mindset with the ability to remain commercially hands-on
- Experience managing international suppliers, particularly in the Far East
- Highly commercial with strong negotiation and supplier relationship skills
- Solid understanding of quality and supplier compliance requirements
- Proactive, confident and able to influence stakeholders across the business
- Experience working with ERP / MRP systems
- Candidates stepping up into a Category Manager role with strong Far East exposure will also be considered
Category Manager employer: SER
As a leading supplier in the packaging industry with over 20 years of experience, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that values innovation and collaboration. Our employees enjoy competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits including health cash plans and life insurance, and ample opportunities for professional growth, particularly in managing international supplier relationships. Located in Kempston, we offer a supportive environment where your contributions directly impact our success and the satisfaction of our clients across various sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Category Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. We want you to show off your knowledge about the packaging industry and how you can bring value to their team. Be ready to discuss your experience with international suppliers too!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to manage supplier relationships effectively. We suggest role-playing scenarios with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in category management and procurement, especially within the packaging industry. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your experience with international suppliers and your strategic mindset. We love a good story that connects your past experiences to our future together.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you’ve driven cost savings or improved supplier relationships. We’re all about results, so let us know what you’ve accomplished!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application directly and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at SER
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the packaging categories you'll be managing, especially Labels, Bags, and Envelopes. Research current trends, challenges, and innovations in these areas, particularly with suppliers from the Far East. This will show your potential employer that you're not just familiar with the products but also passionate about them.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've led, especially those involving international suppliers. Highlight how you managed to secure better terms or improved supplier relationships. This is crucial for a Category Manager role, so be ready to discuss your strategies and outcomes in detail.
✨Align with Business Goals
Understand the company's overall strategy and how the packaging categories fit into it. Be prepared to discuss how you can support business growth through effective range management and supplier collaboration. This shows that you’re thinking beyond just the category and considering the bigger picture.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
Think of specific initiatives you've implemented in the past that drove cost savings or innovation within your categories. Be ready to share these examples during the interview, as they will illustrate your proactive approach and ability to drive continuous improvement in procurement processes.
