STADA UK Thornton & Ross is on an exciting growth journey with more than 700 employees being fully committed to our purpose of Caring for People’s Health as a Trusted Partner. Together we are shaping the future of Thornton & Ross by living our values of Integrity, Entrepreneurship, Agility and One STADA.

STADA UK Thornton & Ross - Packaging Category Manager   

Huddersfield | United Kingdom (GB) | Full-time | Permanent 

We are looking for an experienced and results-driven Packaging Category Manager to lead procurement strategy, optimize supplier performance, and drive cost efficiency across our packaging materials supply chain.

How You Will Make An Impact:

• Act as the key owner and subject matter expert for all Packaging SKUs related to manufacturing, ensuring timely issue resolution and communication.

• Lead sourcing, negotiation, and contracting activities across both tactical and strategic packaging spend.

• Monitor supplier performance, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and implementing improvement or risk mitigation plans as needed.

• Build and enhance supplier relationships to improve quality, service, and cost; lead cross-functional initiatives to strengthen supplier capabilities.

• Ensure full compliance with all relevant regulations and standards during onboarding and ongoing procurement processes.

• Collaborate with Global Procurement to implement category strategies and support new product development and site OPEX improvement initiatives.

• Deliver year-on-year cost savings and support manufacturing efficiency through robust procurement strategies.

• Track procurement KPIs, manage budget pricing, and ensure efficient PO-to-Pay processes for packaging materials.

What We Are Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent industry experience, ideally in Pharmaceutical, Healthcare, or Food manufacturing.

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a regulated manufacturing environment with strong procurement expertise.

• Proven ability to manage the end-to-end procurement process; SAP experience is a plus.

• Strong contract management skills, with solid understanding of contract law and industry regulations.

• Demonstrated commercial acumen with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

• Skilled negotiator with a successful track record of securing favorable supplier terms.

• Proficient in financial planning, budgeting, and managing procurement KPIs.

• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills; able to manage multiple priorities under pressure.

How We Care For You:

At Thornton & Ross our purpose “Caring for people’s health as a trusted partner” motivates us every day. And what would be a better place than starting with our own employees. Which is why we give much in return:

💸 Competitive salary and annual bonus scheme.

🗝 Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme offering 8% employer contribution rates.
⌚ Hybrid working – we spend three days of your choice in the office, with the remaining days working at home.

🌴 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays with the potential to buy up to 5 additional days.

🥗 On-site subsidised canteen.

🏥 Health benefits provided through Vitality Private Medical Insurance.

💉 Free winter flu jab.

🧠 Wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme and KYAN Wellbeing – offering free coaching and counselling services for you and your family.

⚡ Electric Car Scheme through Octopus Energy, plus free on-site EV charging.

🚲 Cycle to Work Scheme.

👪 Enhanced Family Leave.

🎉 Plus, many more employee benefits & celebration events.

STADA Group values and promotes its diverse culture, regardless of gender, age, social or ethnic origin, disabilities, religion, ideology, or sexual orientation. We use the strength of our uniqueness to develop creative ideas, expand our experience and increase innovative strength. Our focus is on equal opportunities, respectful cooperation, and the promotion of an inclusive working environment. We are looking forward to your application and welcome applications without a pharmaceutical background.

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