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 20+ 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. There is a requirement for someone to work categories such as Labels, Bags and Envelopes with exposure to the Far East.

Category Manager

Salary: Salary Very Competitive 

Location – Kempston

Benefits: 23 days holiday + bank, Health Cash Plan, Life Insurance 2x salary, Catered Lunches, Salary Exchange Pension

The business is particularly keen to speak with individuals who have hands-on experience managing overseas suppliers, particularly in the Far east.

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 overseas supplier relationships.
• 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.
• Management of other procurement experts. 
• Strong strategic mindset with the ability to remain commercially hands-on
• Experience managing international suppliers, particularly in the Far East
• 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 Far East 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”.