Category Manager – Additives & Ingredients

Location: Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, UK

Contract: Full time, Permanent – 37.5 hours per week – 2/3 days per week onsite

About the role

As a Category Manager at AB Agri, you will be responsible for managing a diverse portfolio of raw materials and ingredients, including commodity and non-commodity items such as premixes, amino acids, phosphates, and limestone.

This role involves developing and implementing category strategies, negotiating contracts, and managing supplier relationships across multiple regions including the UK, Europe, China, and the US. Based at our Peterborough site, you will work closely with cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders to ensure effective sourcing and supply chain performance.

You will bring proficient project management and stakeholder engagement skills to navigate an environment, contributing to the continued development and success of AB Agri’s procurement function within the agricultural sector.

What you'll be doing:

• Manage a diverse portfolio of raw materials and ingredients, including commodities, premixes, amino acids, phosphates, and limestone, ensuring effective sourcing and supply.

• Develop and implement category strategies that optimise cost, quality, and supply risk across multiple regions including the UK, China, Europe, and the US.

• Negotiate pricing and contract terms with suppliers, establishing robust commercial agreements that support business objectives.

• Manage and coordinate eSourcing activities and tenders, utilising tools such as ScanMarket to support competitive sourcing processes.

• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, including technical teams and project managers, to support value-added projects and resolve supply chain issues.

• Monitor market trends, supplier performance, and category risks to proactively identify opportunities for improvement and innovation.

• Work within a team structure reporting to the Senior Category Manager, contributing to a collaborative and proficient procurement function.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives and demonstrate motivation to progress within the procurement and supply chain function.

What we're looking for:

• Experienced in procurement or category management, ideally within raw materials, ingredients, or additives in a manufacturing or agricultural environment.

• Strong negotiation skills with a track record of successfully managing supplier contracts and delivering cost savings.

• Experience managing multiple categories or product lines, demonstrating adaptability and effective prioritisation.

• Ability to develop and implement category strategies that align with broader business goals and mitigate supply risks.

• Proficient in eSourcing tools and tender management, with a strategic approach to supplier evaluation and selection.

• Excellent project management and stakeholder engagement skills, capable of working collaboratively across teams and regions.

• Ambitious and proactive mindset, eager to learn and progress within a well-established procurement team.

• Comfortable working in a hybrid environment based in Peterborough, with effective communication skills to engage both internal and external partners.