Regional Category Manager MRO & Packaging

Role Description:

As the European procurement category manager for MRO and Packaging, the role holder will be responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, and delivering value across mutiple levers. This role will drive best in-class procurement practise and ensure compliances with internal policies and external regulations are met.

The role reports solid line to the European Procurement Director.

Key Responsibilities

Collaborate with key stakeholders to understand business requirements and align category strategies including sourcing execution.

Support budget planning, cost modeling and TCO evaluation for in-scope categories.

Identify, assess and manage supplier relationships to ensure performance, compliance and continuous improvement.

Develop and negotiate commercial contract terms in collaboration with the legal team.

Stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and apply best practises to the categories.

Implement regional pillar of the category strategy contributing to the overall procurement and business strategy.

Continuously drive adoption and development of new opportunities by integrating innovative ideas

Key Requirements

University degree required; MBA preferred

Procurement certification is an advantage

Consulting background is a plus

Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with e-sourcing tools (e.g., Coupa, Archlet) is a plus

5–10 years of experience in Procurement or a comparable role in Consulting

Proven track record in managing procurement categories

Demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams within multicultural organisations

Advanced category management skills, including:

Understanding business needs

Supply market analysis

Value chain mapping

Cost model evaluation

Monitoring commodity trends

Developing strategic roadmaps and actionable plans

Ability to build business cases considering Total Cost of Ownership and value beyond price

Strong analytical and negotiation skills

Advanced stakeholder management capabilities:

Effective communication and influencing skills

Ability to persuade and simplify complex messages

Strong project execution and implementation skills

Experience in supplier management

Strategic mindset with the ability to think globally and act locally

Key Ardagh behavioral skills: Change leader, customer oriented, target-driven, cross-collaborative, building high-performant teams, & lead by example