Category Manager - Raw Materials -Europe

IPL Schoeller; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A major packaging solutions company is seeking a Category Manager to develop sourcing strategies for raw materials across Europe. This role requires collaboration with cross-functional teams and significant procurement experience. Candidates should have a related degree, strong commercial awareness, and the ability to manage budgets effectively. The role emphasizes continuous improvement and aligning procurement with sustainability goals.

Qualifications

• Professional qualification in procurement preferred.
• Extensive operational experience in procurement.
• Results-oriented with budget management capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for raw materials.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for execution of category strategy.
• Manage supplier relationships and mitigate supply chain risks.
• Define and monitor KPIs for procurement success.
• Oversee category budget and cost management.

Skills

Procurement management

Commercial awareness

Change management

Project planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in a related field

Tools

ERP systems (IFS advantageous)

Job description

Who we are

On July 1, 2025, IPL Plastics merged with Schoeller Allibert to form IPL Schoeller (the ‘company’). The Company’s operations are split across North America (11 manufacturing plants) and Europe (16 manufacturing plants). The company is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.

IPL Schoeller is a leading manufacturer of sustainable rigid packaging solutions across a range of end market segments including returnable transit packaging, consumer and industrial packaging, environmental containers and agricultural packaging. The company employs c.4,100 employees across North America (1,600 employees) and Europe (2,500 employees).

Sustainability is essential to the long-term success of our business. As a packaging company that develops plastic‑based solutions for our customers, it is imperative that we meet the customer needs while being mindful of our operational impacts and the need to preserve our planet. We are committed to running our business responsibly and in ways that drive environmental, social and economic value for our stakeholders, including shareholders, customers, employees and local communities.

The role

• Strategic Sourcing and Strategy - The Category Manager Non‑resin is responsible for developing and implementing end‑to‑end strategies related to raw materials (excluding Resin) across European sites. Ensuring alignment with global organisational objectives and maximise business impact by reducing costs, improving efficiencies and driving commercial alignment.
• Stakeholder Collaboration - Collaboration with cross‑functional teams, including engineering, commercial, and on‑site supply chain managers, ensures consistent execution of the category strategy. The manager works to integrate these strategies into the long‑term business plan while fostering a cohesive approach across the organisation.
• Supplier Relationship and Risk Management - Building resilient supply networks through strategic partnerships is a core responsibility. The manager works closely with the Procurement Director to understand and mitigate risks within the supply chain, ensuring continuity of operations and supporting company growth, including mergers and acquisitions.
• Performance and KPI Management - Defining and monitoring KPIs on a site‑specific basis is essential to measure the success of short‑, medium‑ and long‑term plans. Regular progress updates and data‑driven insights are communicated across organisational levels to ensure alignment and accountability.
• Cost Management and Budget Oversight - Managing the category budget involves monitoring expenses, approving PO’s and invoices, analysing variances, and implementing corrective actions to ensure cost control and financial target adherence. Additionally, the manager identifies opportunities to reduce costs, improve processes and enhance service levels within the supply chain function.
• Continuous Improvement and Sustainability - Driving continuous improvement is a key focus, with efforts to identify opportunities to incorporate environmentally sustainable material practices, aligning with the company’s sustainability goals.
• Leadership and Communication - Providing leadership to on‑site supply chain team members and fostering high‑performing teams is integral to delivering continuous improvement and cost reductions. Strong communication across teams facilitates the exchange of information, enabling effective implementation of changes and improvements that add value across the organisation.

Qualifications & Experience

Related bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree in a related field preferred and/or prior experience as a Category Manager, Procurement Manager etc.

• Professional qualification (CIPS, EIPM, ISM etc.) - Preferred
• Extensive operational experience – able to understand operational processes, customer requirements and technical attributes of the product range.
• Commercially and financially astute; experience in multisite procurement management with clear ability to report, forecast, manage budgets and costs.
• Results orientated with the ability to plan and prioritise multiple projects of self and others and to deliver against objectives and deadlines.
• Able to successfully lead and implement change, structure, and process and take a common‑sense approach to encouraging continual cultural, technological and operational transformation.
• Comfortable working both at a strategic and a tactical level, with a demonstrated ability to be hands‑on and remain close to sales and operations.
• ERP experience (IFS advantageous but not essential)

If you have the above experience and are looking for a role where you can make a real difference, apply today to find out more!