Category Manager, Category Manager

Pilgrim's Europe; Uxbridge; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Pilgrim's Europe is seeking a Category Manager - Packaging to lead sourcing strategies across packaging categories for 42 sites across Europe. Located in Uxbridge, this role drives cost savings, sustainability initiatives, supplier performance and long-term category value in a fast-paced FMCG environment.

Travel up to 60% across Europe is required as you lead negotiations, tendering and cross-functional projects with Procurement, R&D, Operations, Supply Chain and Finance to deliver measurable

Qualifications

• Proven procurement experience in FMCG or manufacturing.
• Strong category management and supplier management skills.
• Experience delivering measurable cost savings and strategic sourcing.

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 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

Procurement experience

Category management

Negotiation

Supplier management

Cost savings delivery

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Travel readiness

Job description

Category Manager

Category Manager - Packaging to lead sourcing strategies across key packaging categories for our 42 sites across Europe.

Department: Procurement

Location: Uxbridge

Travel: Up to 60% 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

What You’ll Bring

• 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