Group Purchasing Category Manager

Kepak is one of Europe’s leading food companies with manufacturing sites across Ireland and the UK. Kepak’s vision is to be a successful, sustainable, future ready Food Business with differentiation at its core, that is a great place to work.

This vision is underpinned by our values of Responsibility, Ambition, Passion For Food & Teamwork.

We now have an opportunity for an experienced Purchasing Category Manager for Packaging here at Kepak. This group role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the company’s sustainability initiatives, product innovation, and operational efficiency.

As a key player in the procurement and supply chain team, you'll have the chance to build your expertise, take on leadership responsibilities, and advance within a dynamic and growing organization.

Key responsibilities:

1. Develop and Implement Procurement Strategy: Create and execute a strategic approach for the packaging category, making sure it aligns with the broader business procurement goals. Identify opportunities to save costs, improve quality, and drive innovation within packaging expenses.
2. Stakeholder Collaboration: Engage with stakeholders across different levels of the organization, both at group and site levels, to effectively understand and address business and customer requirements. Foster cross-functional collaboration to ensure packaging solutions meet overall business needs.
3. Supply Risk Management: Continuously evaluate and update the risk profile for packaging suppliers. Implement and oversee a program for continuous improvement to mitigate identified risks, ensuring a stable and uninterrupted supply.
4. Supplier Relationship Management (SRM): Take charge of an impactful Supplier Relationship Management program for the category. Build and nurture strong, strategic relationships with key suppliers, driving performance improvements and fostering a collaborative environment.
5. Sustainability Alignment: Guarantee that all packaging sourcing activities align with the company’s sustainability targets. Collaborate closely with suppliers to explore and implement sustainable packaging solutions that fulfill both environmental and business goals.
6. Market Expertise: Maintain a profound understanding of global packaging supply markets, including competitor strategies and product innovations. Continuously monitor market trends and emerging opportunities to ignite category growth.
7. Contract and Relationship Management: Supervise the creation and upkeep of contractual agreements with suppliers. Manage ongoing business relationships, ensuring compliance with terms and fostering enduring partnerships.

What can you bring to the role:

1. A minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior procurement role, including 2 years dedicated to the purchasing of packaging materials, with a strong preference for candidates with experience in the food industry.
2. Graduate calibre with a degree (or equivalent) in a relevant business-related field.
3. Willingness to travel to Kepak manufacturing and supplier sites across Europe as required.
4. Demonstrated success in developing and executing long-term category strategies.
5. Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
6. Proven business acumen and market insights.

What can we offer you?

1. Hybrid working model
2. Company Pension
3. Further Education support
4. Employee Discount Platform: All Kepak employees are entitled to access to the WrkIt platform, which offers significant discounts and cashback with hundreds of brands.
5. Refer a Friend Scheme: Earn up to €500 for successfully referring a friend or family member to Kepak Group.
6. Bike to Work Scheme: You can buy a bike and safety equipment through a salary sacrifice scheme which reduces your taxable income – meaning you pay less tax
7. Long Service Awards: We recognise, acknowledge and award the dedication and valuable contribution of long serving employees.
8. GroceryAid Employee Assistance Program: Help with a wide range of topics including mental health and wellbeing support, family and relationship advice, debt management, back to work support, and counselling for all Kepak colleagues and their families.

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