Category Specialist

Are you an experienced sourcing or category professional with expertise in packaging, print and POS? We're looking for a Category Specialist to join our European Sourcing team and help deliver commercial value, supplier innovation, and sustainable sourcing solutions for some of the world's leading brands.TMS Global, part of DS Smith, is a global leader in sustainable packaging and retail solutions. Operating in 97 markets with a team of 300+ across APAC, LATAM, EMEA and North America, we partner with leading global brands to deliver innovative print, packaging, and display solutions.As Category Specialist, you'll be the category expert for print, packaging and POS, responsible for identifying sourcing opportunities, developing supplier partnerships, and driving commercial value across the European region. Working closely with client-facing teams, suppliers, and internal stakeholders, you'll identify and deliver opportunities to improve cost, quality, performance, and supply chain resilience while supporting contractual commitments and driving overall supply base effectiveness.Key Responsibilities:Partner with the Global Category Lead to develop, implement, and continuously evolve the category sourcing strategyBuild, manage, and strengthen supplier relationshipsLead value delivery initiatives and competitive sourcing activities aligned to supplier and spend segmentationDeliver measurable cost savings through negotiation, total cost of ownership initiatives, and commercial strategy optimisationSupport client-facing teams to maximise gross profit marginsMonitor market trends, supplier developments, and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for innovation and value creation.Provide category and product expertise to internal stakeholdersRegularly benchmark and review the supplier base to ensure alignment with internal and client requirementsSupport tenders and RFQs for new business and contract renewalsEnsure data integrity, auditability, and accurate tracking of savings in line with commercial strategyWork with Sourcing Operations to resolve supplier performance issues and escalationsIdentify and mitigate supply risks, ensuring continuity and resilienceAbout YouThis role would suit someone who thrives in a fast-paced, matrix environment and enjoys collaborating across teams and geographies. You'll bring strong analytical capability, attention to detail, and a proactive, solutions-focused mindset.The ideal candidate will have experience in the following areas:A background in Manufacturing or Packaging , with Print experience is essential . Experience of POS would be desirable.Proven experience managing supplier relationships, leading commercial negotiations, driving quality performance, and resolving supplier issues.Proven experience managing internal and external stakeholdersDemonstrated success delivering commercial value through cost reduction, supplier optimisation, and category management initiatives.Strong project management capabilityAdvanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly ExcelIf this role sounds like an exciting opportunity and you believe you have the skills and experience to succeed, we'd love to hear from you."To achieve our aim of being among the most successful, sustainable and responsible companies in the world, we aim to build a diverse, motivated, and engaged workforce. Our goal is to create a culture of inclusion where everyone is treated fairly, differences are valued, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.Our people come from diverse backgrounds, bring different perspectives, ideas and experiences to generate unique solutions focused on present and future sustainability challenges. We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteriaTPBN1_UKTJ