Category Manager | Grantham

Purpose
The Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for the various categories across our Ire and UK sites . The role will lead various transformational & sustainability projects as part of large companywide initiative. The successful candidate will be tasked with managing critical spend areas and managing internal and external stakeholders in a highly innovative fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) business.
Please note the successful candidate must be able to travel up to 60% of the time.

Key Responsibilities

Leads negotiations to ensure business requirements & procurement objectives are met and supply relationships are maintained.
• Monitors procurement reporting systems to meet company requirements. SOX compliance ….
• Capture real savings and report monthly.
• Track performance within each spend category and define budgetary impact.
• Manages vendor selection and performance ensuring timely delivery of high-quality products while maintaining the highest code of ethics and conduct.
• Maintain strong cross-functional relationships between Procurement and other key functions, RD&A, Regulatory, Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, etc.
• Manages categories that have a Medium/High level of complexity taking into account the scale, strategic importance, level of risk, bespoke, commercial model structure, number of suppliers and pricing variables within the responsible category’s.
• Utilize a variety of tools and techniques to negotiate contracts, improve pricing and terms of purchase with suppliers and review new opportunities to make business savings.
• Ensure Raw Material supply continuity.
• Develop long-lasting relationships with Pilgrims Europe, ensuring their requirements are accounted for in category strategy.
• Build the Procurement brand across Pilgrims Europe to ensure Procurement is seen as strategic partner and value creator for Pilgrims Europe
• Drive insight and improvements across cost, risk and value for Pilgrims Europe, by delivering product and materials changes aligned to business objectives and identifying and delivering product and material optimization projects, challenge RD&A and Sales team on as-is specifications.

Skills & Knowledge

• Successful track record of delivery in a procurement environment and proven success in a fast-paced FMCG environment.
• Experience in developing and implementing effective cost saving forecasting strategies across the full scope of the category as well as being able to deliver effective reporting to reflect these savings in a clear and concise manor for Senior Leadership Team.
• Complete ownership and understanding of the category, from the raw material specification to the end use in the factory.
• Proven track record of collaborating with Senior Leadership teams to future plan and drive success.
• Plan and scope out buying strategies for present and future requirements using forecasting and market analysis to predict future trends, shortages and potential price differentiations to maximise on returns/costs margins.
• Ownership for all financial budgets and return on investment growth within your category. This is to include successful performance reporting on a monthly basis into the Senior Leadership team and JBS key stakeholders.
• Data analysis – the ability to take large amounts of data and summarise quickly.
• Skilled at being an influencer to drive best practice at all levels.
• Willingness to travel as and when necessary, up to 60%, as the role depends. This will include international travel.