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- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and manage key supplier relationships in packaging.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at a leading creative agency and consultancy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a culture of inclusion.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for innovation and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact with top brands like McDonald's and adidas while growing your career.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in supply chain sourcing with strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Ustms unites technology, marketing, and sourcing to drive transformational change for the world’s leading brands. With 1,200+ employees across 26 countries, we offer an impressive range of solutions – from inspiration and innovation to category management and delivery. Operating as a creative agency, a strategic consultancy, a sourcing business, and a technology provider, we engage with over 110 million customers every single day for our clients, including McDonald’s, T-Mobile, O2, Starbucks, and adidas.
Most importantly, we’re a place where you can achieve great things, and be recognized as the best.
What Matters The Most
Breakthrough, business-driving ideas come from extraordinary people with the freedom to be their most authentic selves at work. Authenticity and diversity are critical elements of our business. They can only be realized when we create access and equity for all. We foster a culture of inclusion and belonging and aspire to be ever-evolving. tms is a place where brilliant people are better together. If you want your ideas to be heard and to contribute to a culture of inclusion and authenticity, bring us your voice!
At tms we believe that from day one our job is to prepare you, develop you, train you and invest in you so that while with us you will become ready to take on the next challenge better prepared than you thought possible. So whether you’re here for a meeting, a project, or a career – be prepared to Leave Changed.
WHY WE THINK YOU WILL LOVE THIS ROLE
As a Category Manager at HAVI/TMS, you will play a pivotal role in identifying, developing and managing key supply partners that can deliver against our client needs. You will lead strategic sourcing initiatives related to a determined product category including supplier capital investments, supplier relationship management, value creation partnering with product development, innovation and sustainability. This role requires a customer-first mindset, strong commercial acumen, and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
What You Will Bring To The Organization
- Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management
- Develop and execute sourcing strategies for assigned packaging categories, including supplier selection, onboarding, allocation, and sourcing events.
- Own and manage relationships with key suppliers, delivering the supplier engagement framework and driving long-term innovation through strategic alignment and regular reviews (e.g., T2T, QBRs).
- Serve as the Commercial Lead for the supply base, overseeing negotiations, contract finalization, and pricing strategies across assigned categories.
- Support local market projects and savings initiatives in collaboration with Product Development (PD) teams and commercial teams, contributing to cost optimization and innovation.
- Act as the escalation point for supplier-related issues, including quality, capacity, pricing, and commercialization challenges.
- Lead promotional feasibility and capacity strategy development to support McDonald’s marketing and brand goals.
- Support Stage Gate processes from early concept (0–3) through execution (4–6), ensuring supplier readiness and sourcing alignment.
- Review and ensure compliance with spend forecasts, contributing to accurate financial planning and reporting.
- Own the cost savings pipeline, identifying and delivering sourcing efficiencies across the EU region.
- Scout, develop and validate new suppliers that strengthen the supply base.
- Lead quarterly pricing forecasts (QPF) and contribute to global cost circularity initiatives.
- Make strategic recommendations and decisions within the Source-to-Contract (S2C) framework.
- Risk & Contingency Planning
- Maintain strategic oversight of assured supply (risk register) and serve as an escalation point for supply assurance, pricing, and quality issues.
- Develop and maintain contingency plans for assigned categories, ensuring supply continuity and cost stability.
- Deliver packaging management playbooks (e.g., risk management, capacity control) and embed a quality-first mindset in sourcing activities.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with internal teams on spend forecasting, savings tracking, supplier financial health assessments, and compliance systems (e.g., Traqtion).
- Support regional supplier strategies aligned with EU-wide sourcing goals and sustainability initiatives.
- Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Foster strong relationships with McDonald’s stakeholders, acting as a trusted advisor and escalation point for supplier-related issues.
- Understand and respond to regional trends (e.g., sustainability, regulatory compliance) and contribute to strategic programs like STEP.
Qualifications & Experience
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO HAVE
- 5+ years of experience in supply chain sourcing, preferably in a manufacturing environment; Proven experience in strategic sourcing, supplier management, or procurement preferably within packaging, FMCG, or QSR sectors.
- Strong negotiation skills and commercial acumen.
- Commercial mindset and customer focus. Experience managing complex supplier networks across multiple markets.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Familiarity with risk management, packaging related sustainability trends, and compliance frameworks.
- Proficiency in data analysis and forecasting tools.
Preferred Attributes
- Passion for customer service and a client-first mindset.
- Client facing experience in consultancy or other relevant environment.
- Ability to thrive in a matrixed, cross-functional environment.
- Ability to influence without authority.
- Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to problem-solving.
- Fluent in English; additional European languages are a plus.
If you have any questions about the job, we are open to discussing this role further, so please feel free to get in touch.
Category Manager - Packaging in London employer: tms
Contact Detail:
tms Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Packaging in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you showcase your authenticity and fit during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in strategic sourcing and supplier management, and don’t forget to mention your passion for innovation and sustainability.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at tms. Let’s make great things happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Packaging in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Authentic Self: We want to see the real you! When writing your application, let your personality shine through. Share your unique experiences and perspectives that make you a great fit for our team.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Category Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in strategic sourcing and supplier management, and connect it to what we do at tms. This shows us you’re genuinely interested!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and fluff. Use bullet points if needed to make your skills and achievements stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at tms
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the company’s background and their approach to packaging. Familiarise yourself with their key clients like McDonald’s and Starbucks, and understand their sustainability initiatives. This will show that you’re genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your past experiences in supply chain sourcing and supplier management. Prepare specific examples where you’ve successfully negotiated contracts or managed complex supplier networks. This will demonstrate your commercial acumen and problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this role requires cross-functional collaboration, think of instances where you’ve worked with different teams. Highlight how you’ve fostered strong relationships and navigated challenges, as this will illustrate your ability to thrive in a dynamic environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s future projects or their approach to risk management in packaging. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the company aligns with your values, especially regarding inclusion and sustainability.