A brilliant opportunity has come up to work with a fantastic supplier of packaging company that works in the Retail, FMCG, Ecommerce, 3PL Pharma and Automotive industries. The company has been running for 50+ years as a merchant, and they’re looking for an experienced Category Manager or senior Supply/Procurement professional who is ready to take full ownership of strategic categories within a growing packaging group.
Category Manager
Salary: £50,000 - £60,000
Location: Stevenage (Surrounding Areas)
Benefits
* Generous bonus scheme
* Hybrid company car
* Fuel card
* Life & Health Cash Plan
* 5% Pension
* 25 days holiday + bank holidays
The business is particularly keen to speak with individuals who have hands‑on experience managing international supply chains and overseas suppliers, especially across the Far East, US and Europe.
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 international supplier relationships, with a strong focus on overseas sourcing
* 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 a similar industry
* Strong strategic mindset with the ability to remain commercially hands‑on
* Experience managing international suppliers, particularly in the Far East, US and EU
* 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 international exposure will also be considered
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