Category Manager - Food Manufacturing

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.

Skills:

procurement category manager procurement manager food fmcg