Category Manager – Manufacturing, Commodities, Pallets

DS Smith

. Develop and implement procurement strategies across manufacturing, commodities and pallets in North & East EMEA .

Posted 11/9/2026full-timeVärnamo • SwedenMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in procurement category management within manufacturing and packaging, with a strong focus on sourcing strategies, negotiations, and supplier relationship management. Proficient in driving cost improvements and supplier performance while supporting innovation and sustainability initiatives.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Procurement Category ManagementComplex SourcingNegotiationsFluency in English and Swedish or DanishCIPS Qualification

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Category StrategyCost ImprovementSupplier PerformanceAnalytical ApproachSourcing MaterialsManufacturing InputsMaintenance ServicesCapital Equipment

Soft Skills

Relationship BuildingInfluencing SkillsCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

SAPCoupa

Certifications & Qualifications

CIPS Qualification

Industry Keywords

ManufacturingPackagingProcurement StrategiesSustainabilityEMEA

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and implement procurement strategies across manufacturing, commodities and pallets in North & East EMEA
Shape and deliver procurement strategies across manufacturing, commodities and pallets
Lead sourcing, negotiations and supplier partnerships across manufacturing inputs, maintenance services and capital equipment
Work with local and global procurement colleagues, Operations and Engineering
Improve cost, working capital, supplier performance and resilience
Support innovation and sustainability
Influence sourcing of materials, equipment and services used by manufacturing sites
Report to the Sub-Regional Procurement Lead East & North EMEA
Travel between sites

Requirements

What you’ll need

Procurement category management experience within manufacturing or packaging
Experience with category strategy, complex sourcing and negotiations
Commercial and analytical approach
Ability to build relationships across functions and countries
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification
Fluency in English and Swedish or Danish
Experience with SAP and Coupa advantageous
Additional European languages advantageous
CIPS or equivalent procurement qualification advantageous
Willingness to travel up to 30%
Ability to be based at one of the employer’s offices or sites in Sweden or Denmark

Benefits

Comp & perks

Range of benefits for colleagues to support healthier and happier lives
Good work environment
Opportunities for independent prioritization of day-to-day work