Category Manager - Procurement (Packaging and Branded Product)

For a quarter of a century, the Jellycat family have brought joy, wonder and playful fun to people of all ages, in every part of the world. Utterly original and in a class of their own, they are currently among the most loved and collected toys of their kind. How has this gentle tribe endeared themselves to so many? Perhaps it is their whimsical expressions. Or the deliciously soft fabrics. Or the beautiful way in which they sit in your hand. Whatever it is, there is something magical and unmistakeable about each one of them.

Packaging from our drawstring dust bags, gift boxes, bespoke packaging for our Retail Activations (such as Fish & Chips Experience at Selfridges, or Jellycat Space in Seoul) is a critical component to the fan experience. Ensuring we work with the best suppliers from an ethical, quality, speed, and costs perspective is critical. In addition to the gift packaging, ensuring robust outer packaging is sourced that protects our products is of utmost importance.

Our 'Branded Product' category is ever growing from premium stickers, to pins, keyrings, etc. ensuring we have a diverse supply base that can meet our fast paced, high quality needs is critical.

There is a team of passionate procurement professionals that procure these items today for Jellycat, this role it to lead the Category Strategy Development and Strategic Sourcing of these categories, via working closely with the existing team to ensure their needs are met.

You'll be;

• Leading Procurement Category Management of the global Packaging and Branded Product category, partnering with internal teams in Production, Brand and supplier production partners to deliver the best execution of Jellycat's Brand Experience.
• Driving tender management by developing and executing robust tenders to select the best suppliers for Jellycat's Packaging and Branded Product needs, building a comprehensive supplier panel that meets CSR, quality and commercial standards.
• Conducting fact based contract negotiations to secure favourable terms and conditions with suppliers, ensuring quality remains paramount and long term relationships can flourish.
• Identifying and evaluating new suppliers to enhance Jellycat's Packaging and Branded Product capabilities and support global expansion.
• Working closely with cross functional teams - including Production, Brand and specifically the Packaging and Branded Product team, to ensure seamless delivery of experiences.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen quality, efficiency and overall effectiveness.
• Identifying and mitigating risks within the supply chain to ensure business continuity and resilience.
• Managing and maintaining strong supplier relationships, ensuring they meet Jellycat's high standards for quality, reliability and performance.

You'll have;

• Category management experience within the Packaging and Branded Product sector, with a strong understanding of procurement processes and best practices.
• Expertise in leading and executing robust tenders to select the best suppliers for business needs.
• Strong contract negotiation skills with the ability to engage in fact based discussions to secure favourable terms and conditions with suppliers.
• The ability to identify, evaluate and manage supplier relationships to ensure they meet Jellycat's high standards for quality, reliability and performance.
• Experience collaborating with cross functional teams - including Production and Brand, to ensure seamless product delivery.
• A demonstrated track record of driving continuous improvement initiatives within the supply base to enhance quality, efficiency and effectiveness.
• Knowledge of risk management practices to support business continuity and resilience.
• The ability to monitor and evaluate supplier performance, implementing corrective actions when required to uphold high standards.
• Strong analytical skills with the capability to interpret data and make informed decisions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate at all levels of the organisation.
• A solution oriented mindset and a creative approach to problem solving.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team, demonstrating responsibility and accountability.
• A pragmatic, entrepreneurial and commercially minded approach that supports scaling at pace while ensuring appropriate risk mitigations are in place.