Category Manager

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 are 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

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 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 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, 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
If you are interested in applying for this opportunity or wish to receive further information, please contact Sean Turton on (phone number removed) or email a copy of your current CV to (url removed) “SER-IN