Category Manager
Full-Time
EP Group – Category Manager
EP Group is an award winning, global packaging manufacturer with production facilities across Europe and South East Asia.
Our global headquarters in Birmingham is home to our dedicated paper manufacturing division providing a wide range of food packaging products for the likes of McDonalds, Amazon, Marks & Spencer and Selfridges.
We are now seeking a Category to join our dynamic purchasing team to autonomously manage a diverse category and product range. The role will involve working with existing suppliers and sourcing new suppliers on a global basis to best support our needs and the needs of our customers.
Reporting into the Head of Purchasing, you will be supported by a team of Category Assistants to develop and drive the category strategy and grow the category in terms of sales and profitability.
Key Responsibilities – Category Manager
Creation and execution of category strategy to grow the category in terms of both sales and profitability.
Develop Category plans in line with strategy.
Develop annual calendar of supplier tenders.
Drive best cost first time initiatives through the purchasing department.
Plan for future development within the category and wider business requirements.
Plan supplier and trade show visits.
Supplier base management to ensure company is dealing with the most appropriate suppliers to deliver its objectives.
Understanding processes and costs involved with manufacturing, raw materials and distribution through to end use.
Drive innovation working with internal departments to develop new ideas to future proof the business.
Category and product life-cycle management.
Holistic category and product knowledge to provide subject matter expertise both internally and to customers.
Being the final point of escalation for internal stakeholder issues within the purchasing department.
Key Requirements – Category Manager
Experience of managing a category within a purchasing function
Experience in retail, packaging or FMCG would be a distinct advantage
Be results focussed and be able to demonstrate a record of successful cost reduction activities
Be an experienced negotiator
Demonstrated experience of driving a category strategy with clear achievements in terms of profitability, reduced spend or increased margins
Be able to work autonomously and as part of a team
Be commercially focussed
Be a strong communicator