Category Manager (Paper), UK

Who We Are

HH Global are the leader in tech-enabled creative production and procurement. We amplify marketing campaigns through unrivaled production, procurement leadership and the most advanced sustainability capabilities available. All delivered at scale through industry-leading technology and the passionate expertise of our people.

With more than 4,500 colleagues, 26 creative studios and over 5,800 strategic supplier partners across 64 countries, we work with the best talent across the world to partner with our clients to create big impact through big ideas.

Purpose of the Job

We are seeking an experienced Raw Materials Category Manager with deep expertise in the global Paper industry. This role will lead strategic sourcing across Europe, ensuring security of supply, cost leadership, sustainability improvements, and long-term value creation.

We are seeking extensive knowledge of paper procurement, global supply markets, risk exposure and supplier capability development. Responsibilities include aligning category strategy with business needs, driving commercial performance, and building resilient supply networks.

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy + Leadership

• Develop + execute the European raw materials strategy for paper, ensuring alignment with global objectives and long-term business plans
• Conduct market analysis to understand cost drivers, supply risks, innovation opportunities and competitive sourcing landscapes in both European and global paper markets
  
  

Sourcing + Commercial Excellence

• Lead sourcing initiatives including supplier evaluation, negotiation, contracting and value engineering
• Negotiating commercial terms, implementing agreements and introducing new suppliers and materials to support innovation and sustainability targets
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction, efficiency improvement, and supply assurance across all paper raw materials
  
  

Supplier Management + Risk Mitigation

• Build strong supplier relationships focused on quality, service, resilience and innovation
• Identify+ mitigate supply chain risks including capacity constraints, geopolitical exposure, fibre market volatility and sustainability compliance
• Ensure suppliers align with business expectations including quality, reliability, and technical performance
  
  

Cross Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Global Sourcing colleagues, Client Engagement, Finance and Sustainability teams to ensure cohesive execution of the category strategy
• Support new product development and innovation sourcing by collaborating with Supply chain and Client Engagement
• Support our Sales Support and Bid Management colleagues with appropriate industry content + insight material when required
  
  

Performance Management + Analytics

• Produce quarterly insight material using industry sources, global indices and market data to project cost forecasts, highlight potential volatility, supplier performance, risk indicators and smart sourcing recommendations
• Deliver budgeting insights and financial reporting aligned with organizational requirements
  
  

Knowledge, Skills + Experience

• Extensive experience in the Global and European paper industry with direct responsibility for paper & board procurement
• Strong understanding of fibre, pulp and paper supply markets including cost structures and risk levers
• Proven track record in developing + executing regional or global category strategies

Strong commercial negotiation experience and expertise in strategic sourcing processes

Proficiency in supplier management, performance metrics, and risk analysis

Ability to work across countries, cultures and cross functional teams in a matrix environment

Experience in global or multi-regional category leadership

Knowledge of sustainability frameworks in the paper sector including recycled content, chain of custody certifications, climate custody certifications and climate related supply impacts

Experience of undertaking FSC audits

Understanding of paper technical specifications (coated, uncoated, specialty grades, board)

Knowledge of the EU Deforestation Regulations

We thank all applicants for their interest in a career with us. HH Global are an equal opportunities employer and welcome all suitably qualified candidates from any background, regardless of any personal characteristic, especially those protected by law.

We will make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process to accommodate any disability. In the first instance, if you require this job advert in an alternative format, or require any assistance, please reach out to HR.EMEA@hhglobal.com

Please note that we carry out a variety of pre-employment background checks which are appropriate for the country that you are based in. These may include: employment history, right to work, identity, professional qualifications, crimi

nal record, sanction file and / or CIFAS checks.