Global Category Manager - Plant Equipment and OEM Spares

This Global Category Manager post is focused on procuring capital equipment and OEM Spares for our 23 Beverage Can/End production facilities based in Europe (12), North America (8), and Brazil (3). Capital equipment in scope includes but is not limited to: Core Manufacturing and Auxiliary equipment. Projects can range from new Greenfields to Capacity Increase Projects within existing plants through the acquisition of specific equipment and provision of spare parts.

Reporting to the Global Category Director, the post holder must work collaboratively as part of cross functional teams developing and implementing exemplary procurement strategies at pace in line with group policies with the backing of key stakeholders. Managing supply chains and supplier relationships at global and regional level is vital to success, maximising the value from those relationships, and securing Ardagh’s position as a customer of choice.

The post holder will have deep expertise in procuring capital equipment and projects internationally, ideally in the Beverage Can manufacturing industry, with a strategic mindset and strong delivery focus.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

You will collaborate with Global Quality & Operations, Technology & Innovation Functions across global sites and support all aspects Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) globally.

• Strategic Procurement: Develop and implement global procurement strategies for equipment, ensuring alignment with business objectives and operational needs.
• Total Cost of Ownership: Develop and support the TCO model by identifying procurement opportunities beyond purely price (e.g.: consumption and waste reduction, improved output and efficiency, maintenance savings, innovation opportunities, energy savings, and longer equipment lifecycle)
• Supplier Relationship Management: You will be accountable through SRM’s programs for ensuring that the supplier base supporting your category(s) is continually assessed and developed to meet changing business/customer demands. This will include identifying and driving continuous improvement/innovation initiatives that will generate value through increased supplier performance and/or capabilities.
• Contract Management:  You will be responsible for managing a portfolio of suppliers to ensure contracted expectations continue to be improved throughout the contract life cycle and to ensure these suppliers deliver additional value to AMP.
• Cost Optimisation: Drive cost-saving initiatives through effective negotiation, supplier consolidation, and process improvements.

• Market Analysis: Conduct market research and analysis to stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive landscape.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks associated with equipment procurement, including supply chain disruptions and quality issues.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, operations, and quality teams to ensure equipment meets technical specifications and operational requirements.
• Performance Monitoring: Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track procurement effectiveness and supplier performance.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Promote sustainable procurement practices and support the company's environmental goals.
• Communicate: Share procurement strategies and policies to secure understanding and support from stakeholders at all levels.

Key Deliverables

• A clear understanding of Category Management principles with a demonstrated ability to define a strategy and translate it into actionable plans and manage these plans through to implementation.
• Cost control and reduction.
• Strong relationships with key suppliers and service providers.
• Robust contracts that mitigate risks.
• Business continuity by securing critical supplies and services.
• Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Compliance with Ardagh’s procurement policies.

Knowledge / Skills / Experience / Competencies

Education/Training

• University degree in a relevant discipline
• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) or direct equivalent is highly desirable

Experience

• Manufacturing Industry experience.
• Minimum of 5-years of experience in procurement, category management, or supply chain management, preferably in the metal packaging manufacturing industry.
• Strong knowledge of Process equipment used in manufacturing environment / process and market trends.
• Proven track record of driving cost savings and process improvements.
• Experience sourcing direct from major manufacturing countries such as Europe and USA desirable.

Special Skills/Competencies

• Ability to work effectively in a global, cross-functional environment
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to think globally and act locally combining strategic thinking and excellence in execution with strong accountability and responsibility for achieving results
• Adept at working in an agile project environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills (English)
• Proficiency in procurement software and tools
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Commitment to sustainability and ethical procurement practices
• Resilience and ability to prioritize when facing conflicting demands and high workload
• Comfortable travelling internationally

Key Ardagh Leadership Behaviours

• Vision & Strategy
• Leads Change
• Customer Focused
• Results Focused
• Collaborates across the Organisation
• Builds High Performing Teams

About Ardagh Group

Ardagh Group is a global leader in metal and glass packaging solutions, producing packaging for the world’s leading brands. We trace our roots all the way back to the Irish Glass Bottle Company, founded in 1932. Since then we have grown rapidly to a team of more than 20,000 people with revenues of almost $10 billion. Today we have a presence across Europe, Africa and the Americas.

• Did you know that Ardagh produce many of the beverage cans and bottles you drink your favourite beverages from?
• Did you know we produce metal and glass packaging which are permanent materials, meaning they can be infinitely recycled without any loss of quality?
• Did you know we produce more than 160 million containers per day?

Ardagh is passionate about sustainability and have a reputation for innovation. We push the boundaries of what’s possible, pioneering new production methods, new design techniques and new ways to recycle and save energy. Our aim is to reduce any negative environmental impact whilst remaining economically sustainable and socially responsible.

We believe that the success of our business depends on the success of our people. We strive to create working environments where our employees feel valued, can work to their full potential, and where their achievements are celebrated.

Here at Ardagh, we offer exciting and rewarding opportunities for talented and creative people. If you have ambition and want to make an impact with your career, come and join our team, you’ll enjoy the journey!

Click here for more information about our careers or click here for more information about Ardagh Group.