Category Manager

Job title: Proximity Category Manager – Sales Activation      

Location: Simmonscourt, Dublin 4
Contract: 12- Month Fixed Term Contract

About Us

 Pernod Ricard is a worldwide leader in the spirits and champagne industry, blending traditional craftsmanship, state-of-the-art brand development, and global distribution technologies. Our prestigious portfolio of premium to luxury brands includes Absolut vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute, and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur and Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes. Our mission is to ensure the long-term growth of our brands with full respect for people and the environment, while empowering our employees around the world to be ambassadors of our purposeful, inclusive and responsible culture of authentic conviviality. Pernod Ricard’s consolidated sales amounted to € 10,959 million in fiscal year FY25. 

Role Purpose

The Proximity Category Manager is responsible for delivering the Sales Activation sourcing strategy across the UK, Ireland, and relevant affiliates.

This role leads local negotiations, manages supplier relationships, and ensures effective execution of category strategies to deliver cost efficiencies, strong supplier performance, and compliance with procurement policies.

The role plays a critical part in maintaining continuity across the Sales Activation roadmap and supporting both local and global business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Delivery

• Execute the Sales Activation sourcing strategy and roadmap across assigned affiliates
• Support delivery of global category objectives at a local level
• Ensure alignment with business priorities and procurement strategy

Supplier Management & Negotiation

• Lead local supplier negotiations and contracting activities
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers
• Monitor supplier performance and drive continuous improvement

Cost & Value Delivery

• Deliver cost efficiencies, savings targets, and supplier optimisation
• Support spend coverage and contribute to procurement KPIs
• Identify opportunities to challenge demand and improve value delivery

Operational Execution

• Manage sourcing pipelines, initiatives, and ongoing procurement activities
• Ensure continuity of delivery across planning cycles and projects
• Support execution of FY planning and sourcing events

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure adherence to global procurement policies, procedures, and controls
• Maintain governance through supplier reviews and performance monitoring
• Mitigate risk related to supplier performance and contractual obligations

Stakeholder Management

• Partner with internal stakeholders across marketing, finance, and operations
• Act as a key interface between business teams and procurement
• Provide insights on market trends, suppliers, and category developments

Essential Criteria

Candidates must meet the following:

• Experience in procurement, sourcing, or category management
• Proven ability to lead supplier negotiations and contract management
• Experience managing supplier relationships and performance
• Demonstrated delivery of cost savings or value improvement initiatives
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver in a fast-paced environment
• Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills

Desirable Criteria

The following will be advantageous:

• Experience within Sales Activation, Marketing Procurement, or Indirect Procurement
• Exposure to working across multiple markets or affiliates
• Experience supporting global category strategies
• Familiarity with procurement governance, KPIs, and reporting

Key Skills & Behaviours

• Strong negotiation and influencing skills
• Results-driven with a focus on delivery and outcomes
• Commercial awareness and analytical thinking
• Ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders
• Proactive, organised, and solution-focused approach

What we offer

We understand our people are our special ingredient and at different points, employees require different supports at different stages of their working lives. Our benefits, perks and programmes look to support your employee journey. We want to make you feel recognised and valued for your contribution to our shared success. Some of offerings include;

• Hybrid working; A blended working arrangement of up to 3 days a week working from where you work best
• Profit share; - An annual profit share scheme to reward your contribution to the company’s success.
• Allowance; an annual allowance to spend on our portfolio of products and merchandise, for you to enjoy responsibly.
• People Development: We enable continuous development for our people at every stage of their careers through our people development, online learning, and leadership training programmes.
• Family leave: fully paid maternity, parent and paternity leave, allowing you spend precious time with your new family member
• Parental Support: Our ‘Reconnect’ programme includes access to a workplace parenting coach, a phased return to work and a supportive environment for new parents
• Health & Wellbeing; Our Wellbeing Programme “THRIVE” supports employees across the three main pillars: Life, Body and Mind
• Charity Days: up to 2 days paid leave every year to volunteer at a charity of their choice

At Irish Distillers, we know that great spirits are crafted by blending unique ingredients, and we believe the same is true for people. We actively  welcome individuals from all walks of life, and warmly welcome those with diverse religious backgrounds, ethnicities , members of the Irish Travelling community, genders, abilities, and identities. It’s the mix of our experiences, voices, and cultures that gives us our true character.”

Learn more about working with Irish Distillers, a Pernod Ricard Company – www.irishdistillers.ie/careers

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