Procurement Category Manager

About the role

This role is responsible for Indirect Procurement for Transport, Distribution, Warehousing services for Europe. In this role, the successful candidate is expected to develop, plan, and execute strategic regional sourcing activities within the category assigned, with the goal of partnering with our Supply Chain function, achieving cost reductions, while maintaining / improving service quality and vendor service levels. The Regional Category Manager will be accountable for EUR 90 million per annum spend on Indirect Services across Kerry sites in Europe. The role will also require close collaboration and positive relationship building cross-functionally in Kerry to deliver key strategies for sustainable growth. The person in the role will also have functional responsibility for COUPA catalogue compliance and vendor reduction metrics working with the wider indirect procurement team to deliver on the KPI’s.

About Kerry

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

Key responsibilities

• In collaboration with Supply Chain develop, plan, and execute regional sourcing strategies across Europe. •  Procurement of Transport, Distribution and Warehousing services required by the Business on time, cost efficiently and meeting client’s needs.
• Track and analyse performance within each spend category and define budgetary impact on technology and/or country P&L.
• Lead vendor selection and negotiation process for regional vendors.
• Recruits and maintains suppliers who will provide high quality products and services at a better price while maintaining the highest code of ethics and conduct.
• Negotiate contracts and maintain day to day relationships with suppliers, including collaborating with Supply Chain to establishing supplier performance measures, conducting regular reviews focused on achieving “service performance and deal delivery”.
• With Supply Chain develop, agree, and implement KPIs for suppliers, service levels and supplier management.
• Provide local market intelligence for assigned portfolio including documented sourcing analyses, supply scenario comparisons and supplier research.
• Demonstrate a strong track record of strategic procurement.
• Perform end-to-end activities relevant to procurement of assigned Category.
• Negotiates complex requests for services.
• Ensures categories are contracted in line with the sourcing strategy to avoid maverick buying.
• Ensures master agreements are properly codified into local contracts for the region.
• Prepares and issues purchase contracts and change notices.
• Develops and utilizes a system to evaluate vendor quotations with the appropriate negotiation and purchasing techniques to ensure quality, price, delivery, and service.
• Stretch opportunities and procurement lead for COUPA catalogue compliance and vendor reduction.
• Reviews and resolves vendor claims and contracts for conformance to company policy.
• Monitors procurement reporting systems to meet company requirements.
• Capture real savings in the region.

Qualifications and skills

• Solid procurement or supply experience in Transport, Distribution and Warehousing or a similar field
• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, or a relevant field •  APICS/CIPS Certification preferred.
• SAP
• COUPA.
• TMS Systems

Competencies Required:

• Strong matrix management skills.
• Strong Negotiation skills.
• Multi-tasking and able to work in fast paced environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Project Management skills.
• Solutions focused.
• Drive – someone who is self-motivated, and career driven with a strong sense of urgency, enthusiasm, and commitment.
• Delivery of Sustainable Results – Strong results-oriented mentality with a continuous cost focus; drives cost/value initiatives.
• Must be able to travel (around 30%)

What do you get in return?

• 25 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays).
• Health Care Cover.
• Matched pension scheme- matched ER &EE Min 2%, Max 10%.
• Benefits platform offering discounts and cashback on major retailer.