Category Manager

CIPS; Uxbridge; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Pilgrim's Europe is hiring a Category Manager - Packaging to lead sourcing strategies across packaging categories for 42 sites in Europe. You will drive cost savings, sustainability initiatives, supplier performance and category value in a fast-paced FMCG environment.

Key responsibilities include developing European category sourcing strategies, leading negotiations and tendering, and monitoring market trends and category risks while collaborating with Procurement, R&D, Operations, Finance and

Qualifications

• Proven procurement experience within FMCG or fast-paced manufacturing.
• Strong category management, negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Experience delivering measurable cost savings and strategic sourcing programmes.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead cross-functional initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver European category sourcing strategies.
• Lead supplier negotiations, contract management and tendering activities.
• Drive cost savings, value creation and supply continuity.
• Monitor market trends, raw material movements and category risks.
• Lead cross-functional projects focused on innovation and sustainability.
• Build relationships with stakeholders across Procurement, R&D, Operations, Supply Chain and Finance.
• Track category performance, savings delivery and budget impact.

Skills

Category management

Negotiation

Supplier management

Stakeholder management

Analytical

Travel readiness

Job description

We're looking for a Category Manager - Packaging to lead sourcing strategies across key packaging categories for our 42 sites across Europe. This is a strategic role focused on delivering cost savings, sustainability initiatives, supplier performance, and long-term category value within a fast-paced FMCG environment. What You'll Do

• Develop and deliver European category sourcing strategies
• Lead supplier negotiations, contract management and tendering activities
• Drive cost savings, value creation and supply continuity
• Monitor market trends, raw material movements and category risks
• Lead cross-functional projects focused on innovation and sustainability
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders across Procurement, R&D, Operations, Supply Chain and Finance
• Track category performance, savings delivery and budget impact
  Proven procurement experience within FMCG or a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Strong category management, negotiation and supplier management skills
• Experience delivering measurable cost savings and strategic sourcing programmes
• Strong commercial, analytical and stakeholder management capability
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead cross-functional initiatives
• Willingness to travel extensively across Europe
  Pilgrim's Europe produces some of the best-known and most iconic brands in the UK and Ireland, including Fridge Raiders, Rollover, Denny, Richmond, Oakhouse and Moy Park, alongside a diverse range of industry leading own-label products in categories including fresh pork, lamb and chicken, working with all the major retailers and food service outlets

Our portfolio extends to authentic chilled and frozen ready meals, snacking ranges, added value and food service products. Across Pilgrim's Europe we combine 20,000 of the best people in the industry, united by a shared set of core values and a passion for producing the highest quality, most delicious and innovative food, which is enjoyed by millions of people in the UK, Ireland and Europe every day. Our Pilgrim's Europe team are based in our Pilgrim's UK, Moy Park, Pilgrim's Food Masters and Pilgrim's Shared Services businesses.