We are looking for an experienced Interim Category Manager – Trade & Customer Marketing for a leading international FMCG company based in Amsterdam. As part of the Global Procurement team, you will collaborate closely with global and local brand, trade marketing, and sales teams. Your focus will be on driving value through strategic sourcing, supplier partnerships, and commercial execution in the point-of-sale (POSM) category.

This is a full-time interim role (minimum 4 days per week) with an initial commitment through September. Ready to bring your expertise to a global stage and make a real impact as an interim professional? Apply now!

Responsibilities Interim Category Manager – Trade & Customer Marketing

Key Deliverables

• Complete the RFP for the POSM route-to-market across Europe;
• Support due diligence for a global POSM integrator, including mapping current global/local POSM landscape and identifying savings opportunities;
• Onboard two new glass manufacturers in the Americas and APAC regions, including establishing commercial terms.

Responsibilities

Brand & Portfolio Development (40%)

• Co-develop POS portfolios tailored to brand positioning, channels, and shopper needs;
• Identify cross-market synergies to optimise costs and logistics;
• Provide strategic sourcing input for key brand and trade initiatives.

Commercial Excellence & Innovation (40%)

• Lead supplier negotiations around pricing, service levels, lead times, and innovation access;
• Build strategic supplier partnerships to enable continuous innovation;
• Stay ahead of market trends in shopper marketing and activation.

Supplier Relationship Management (20%)

• Implement supplier governance frameworks aligned with global and local stakeholders;
• Drive performance improvement and ensure delivery of savings;
• Define KPIs to measure supplier contributions to commercial outcomes and innovation.

Requirements Interim Category Manager – Trade & Customer Marketing

Ways of Working

• Strong cross-functional collaborator with excellent communication and influencing skills;
• Commercially driven and curious, with a sharp eye for trends and shopper behaviour;
• Results-focused with the ability to balance quality, speed, and cost;
• Agile and innovative, bringing fresh thinking and a hands-on approach;
• Strategic mindset with the ability to simplify complexity and make data-driven decisions.

Qualifications & Experience

• University degree;
• 10+ years of experience in procurement or commercial roles, preferably within FMCG and/or international matrix environments;
• Deep expertise in strategic sourcing, POSM/trade marketing materials, negotiation, and supplier management;
• Fluent in English; other languages are a plus.

The offer Interim Category Manager – Trade & Customer Marketing

• Hourly rate: €85,- all-in;
• Full-time interim role (minimum 4 days per week);
• Immediate start until September (there is a chance of extension).

How we'll proceed. Within four working days we will let you know if you qualify for the position. We will schedule an introductory interview, either digitally or in-person. During this interview we will inform you as fully as possible about the vacancy, the company and the following steps in the procedure. After consulting with you, we will introduce you to our client and then continue to guide you through the application process. The Independent Recruiters Group has a large team of specialized recruiters. Each recruiter has a strong focus on their own area of expertise. This makes them the ideal sparring partner for both the candidate and the client.