Job Description

Category Manager - Packaging
Location: Market Drayton - 3 days onsite, 2 days remote
Function: Procurement
At Muller, we're proud to make great products that are loved by millions. To help us continue delivering quality, value and innovation across our supply chain, we're looking for a Category Manager to join our Procurement team.
This is an opportunity to take ownership of a defined area of spend, develop robust category strategies and work closely with stakeholders across our business to deliver long-term value.
What you'll be responsible for:
Business Partnering & Stakeholder Engagement

• Ensure continuity of supply and adherence to quality standards.
• Build strong working relationships with Business Units, providing insight, challenge and clear recommendations.
• Support budget planning and forecasting with accurate and timely category data.
• Present market insights to enable effective decision-making and operational planning.
• Represent Group Procurement Packaging in BU meetings and support decision making.
• Act as an escalation point for supply or quality challenges.

Category Strategy & Spend Management

• Analyse procurement markets to identify risks, opportunities and strategic priorities.
• Lead tenders, cost analysis and negotiation activity to secure the best commercial outcomes.
• Develop and implement category strategies aligned with both Business Units and Group functions.
• Support new product launches by ensuring the right suppliers, contracts and materials are in place.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and processes.
• Manage categories with an annual spend of approximately EUR50 million
• Support other Group Category Managers in projects in the UK as required.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Identify, evaluate and qualify suppliers with relevant internal partners.
• Drive supplier performance through proactive management and structured performance reviews.
• Lead contract creation and management, ensuring clear KPIs and service levels.
• Support continuous improvement through the Balanced Supplier Scorecard and supplier development initiatives.

Continuous Improvement & Value Creation

• Use category expertise to identify innovation and improvement opportunities.
• Deliver measurable value creation through market intelligence and supplier collaboration.
• Support process and system improvements across the Procurement function.

What you'll need:

• Master's degree or equivalent experience.
• Strong understanding of procurement processes and category management principles.
• Experience managing medium-scale spend profiles within a complex organisation.
• Ability to build relationships, influence stakeholders and present with confidence.
• Strong analytical skills with a strategic, solutions-focused mindset.
• Fluent in English.

Why join us?
You'll be part of a Procurement team that plays a key role in shaping how Muller sources materials, services and innovation across the Group. We offer a collaborative environment, opportunities for development and the chance to make a real impact on the performance of a business that millions of households rely on every day.
What you'll receive:
In return for your commitment, drive and enthusiasm, we offer our employees numerous benefits as part of your employment, including:

• Competitive salary
• Bonus scheme
• Company car
• Contributory pension plan
• Life assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Generous annual leave increasing with service.
• Flexible benefits programme
• In addition, our employees have access to a Rewards Benefits Programme, giving you a range of discounts across 800 retailers online and in store

#hiring
You can find out more about Muller and what it's like to work for us by clicking here

Skills Required