Head of Category

2 weeks ago

Woking, United Kingdom Mackenzie Jones Full time

Head of Category (Protein & Produce) Leading FMCG Brand

Salary: £120,000 to £140,000 per annum + Car Allowance, Up to 30% Bonus, Pension, Healthcare, Life Insurance, and Holiday Benefits

Location: Surrey – Hybrid (2-3 days office-based, up to 20% travel)


Our Client

An award-winning FMCG company with a strong presence across Europe, known for its iconic brands and commitment to delivering high-quality, convenient, and sustainable food solutions. Focused on innovation, operational excellence, and environmental responsibility, the company caters to diverse consumer needs while providing nutritious and accessible food choices.


Primary Responsibilities:

The successful professional in this role will lead the creation and execution of procurement and growth strategies, driving value through simplification and standardization of specifications across key raw material categories. Managing a team of seven category and senior category professionals, they will focus on providing strategic direction rather than direct operational responsibilities. By collaborating with internal stakeholders, they will challenge existing specifications and introduce external insights to identify opportunities for improvement. A strong understanding of market dynamics and sourcing strategies will be essential to identifying suppliers with the expertise and quality standards required to deliver competitive advantage while ensuring sourcing approaches remain innovative and value focused.


This strategically oriented position will deliver competitive contracts through robust negotiation and cost modelling while overseeing supplier performance and compliance. Supplier relationships will be managed with a focus on evaluating capabilities, risks, and collaborative opportunities to maximize long-term value. While operational tasks are outside its scope, the role will be pivotal in shaping the procurement function by recruiting, coaching, and mentoring the team, enhancing category expertise, and fostering a high-performing environment. This strategic focus will optimize total cost of ownership and drive significant business impact across raw material categories.


Essential Requirements:

Extensive strategic category management experience gained within an FMCG organization (ideally multi-national/global).

Global sourcing experience within complex raw materials categories (ingredients, produce, protein, commodities, etc.).

A proven track record in team management, coaching, and development.


Supporting Requirements:

BA/BSc in Finance, Business, or Economics. A Master’s degree is preferred for an advanced understanding of business and finance concepts.

Proven track record of setting and achieving ambitious, stretch targets.

Strong ability to deliver high-impact results within tight deadlines.

Advanced MS Office skills: Advanced data analysis, financial modelling, and presentation development.

Proven experience in managing expert procurement external consultants.

Experience in developing and implementing best practices for operational efficiency.

Expertise in identifying areas for process optimization and improving ways of working.

Strong breadth and depth of experience in sourcing processes and procurement standards.

Experience in implementing procurement best practices across global teams and markets.


What Happens Next?


Now: Apply today with your CV, which will be reviewed by our MKJ Recruitment team.

First Stage: Teams call with the talent team and hiring manager.

Second Stage: Competency interview onsite at our client’s HQ.

Third Stage: Case study presentation to SLT.


People are at the heart of everything we do. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process that allows everyone to be their authentic self. ❤️


While we would love to reply to all applicants, due to high application volumes, if you do not hear back within 14 days, unfortunately, the role won’t be progressing. The position may be in the process of closing, so it could be a matter of timing. But no worries There will be more opportunities. Follow us at Mackenzie Jones Recruitment to stay updated on new openings.

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