At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement for packaging categories and develop innovative category strategies.
- Company: Join a leading UK food manufacturer with a focus on sustainability and quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to influence and innovate in a thriving market.
- Why this job: Be a key player in driving value and sustainability in the food industry.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and a degree in a related field.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Vickerstock are working in partnership with a UK industry leading food manufacturer to appoint a Category Manager to lead the strategic procurement of packaging categories across the business.
Reporting into the Procurement Leadership Team, the successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing category strategies, managing key supplier relationships and delivering cost-saving initiatives whilst ensuring quality, sustainability and service requirements are achieved.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced procurement professional to join a market-leading organisation where they will play a key role in driving value, sustainability and supply chain resilience.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement category strategies that maximise value, support business objectives and align with corporate sustainability commitments.
- Build, manage and maintain strong supplier relationships, negotiating contracts and securing the most advantageous commercial terms for the business.
- Lead strategic sourcing initiatives across assigned categories, delivering value whilst effectively managing commercial and operational risk.
- Identify and implement cost-reduction opportunities to achieve annual savings targets without compromising quality, service or performance.
- Negotiate contracts, service agreements, KPIs and sustainability targets with suppliers.
- Partner closely with internal stakeholders to understand business requirements and develop procurement strategies that support operational needs.
- Monitor market developments, emerging technologies and industry trends to inform procurement decisions and drive category performance.
- Analyse market pricing and supplier capabilities to identify opportunities for innovation, efficiency and competitive advantage.
- Identify, assess and mitigate financial, operational and environmental risks within the supply chain, implementing appropriate contingency plans where required.
- Develop and maintain supplier continuity and contingency plans to minimise potential supply chain disruption.
- Monitor category performance against agreed KPIs and provide regular updates to key stakeholders on procurement performance and strategic objectives.
Essential Criteria
- Degree qualified in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Procurement or a related discipline.
- Minimum of 3 years' procurement or purchasing experience within a manufacturing, FMCG or food retail environment.
- Candidates without a degree will be considered where they can demonstrate 5+ years of relevant procurement experience.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Proven negotiation skills and strong commercial awareness.
- Highly analytical with excellent problem-solving capability and strong IT skills.
Desirable Criteria
- CIPS qualification or working towards accreditation.
For a confidential discussion and further information, interested applicants are encouraged to apply with an updated CV.
Category Manager - Food Manufacturing in Belfast employer: Vickerstock
Join a leading engineering and manufacturing specialist in County Louth, where your role as an HR Business Partner will be pivotal in driving operational growth and fostering a collaborative culture. With a strong commitment to employee development and wellbeing, the company offers excellent career progression opportunities, a supportive team environment, and a range of benefits including a competitive pension scheme and enhanced annual leave. Experience a positive workplace culture that values innovation and teamwork while making a meaningful impact across multiple sites.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Food Manufacturing in Belfast
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Vickerstock.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Food Manufacturing in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Vickerstock:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Vickerstock. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Vickerstock.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vickerstock
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Vickerstock!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Vickerstock. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Vickerstock's culture.
