Senior Category Manager- Capital and Engineering Procurement

About the opportunity

Due to an internal promotion we are now recruiting for a Senior Category Manager.  This is a highly visible role, where the successful candidate will be responsible for the indirect procurement of Capital Projects and Engineering Materials & Services for the Europe Region.  In this role, the successful candidate is expected to develop, plan and execute strategic regional sourcing activities within the categories assigned, with the goal of achieving cost reductions, while maintaining or improving service quality and vendor service levels.

The Senior Category Manager will be accountable for EUR 130 million per annum spend across Kerry sites in Europe. The role will also require close collaboration and positive relationship building cross-functionally in Kerry, across a range of functional areas including Engineering, HSE, Finance, Operations and QSHE to deliver key strategies for sustainable growth. 

Due to the nature of this role, there will be some travel required to other Kerry sites to build relationships with site teams, suppliers, and ultimately drive the best value possible for Kerry.

What will I be doing?

As Senior Category Manager you will:
 

• Develop and execute sourcing and tendering strategies for categories that have an extreme level of complexity taking into account the scale, strategic importance, level of risk, commercial model structure, number of suppliers and pricing variables within the responsible categories.
• Build expertise and industry knowledge across the spend categories to become the procurement expert and trusted advisor to stakeholders across the business
• Maintain strong cross-functional relationships between Procurement and other key functions such as Engineering, Operations, HSE. FSQ, RD&A, Regulatory, Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, etc.
• Manage all aspects of supplier risk (price, quality, supply, etc.) while securing ‘total cost of ownership’ (PIP) reductions by launching cross functional cost improvement initiatives
• Achieve or exceed KPI targets through robust negotiation, contract management, margin management, supplier benchmarking and systems management (SAP/COUPA)
• Manage and build supplier relationships with key supply base
• Ensure supplier compliance for required standards of business (Supplier Quality, Insurance, SEDEX, etc.)
• Ensure data validity and accurate reporting within your category.
• Improve Working Capital Management by co-ordinating efforts to standardise payment terms with suppliers.
• E-Tendering
• Optimize pricing governance via COUPA catalogue and SAP contract pricing.

What do I need to bring?

To be successful in this role we are looking for the right behaviours and values, as well as relevant experience and success within a similar role. Ideally, you will meet most of the following criteria:
 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Food Science or other related discipline.
• APICS/CIPS Certification highly preferred
• Significant experience within a senior procurement role, ideally with experience of of procuring products / services for Engineering / Capex Projects.  Food manufacturing experience is highly desirable.
• Highly collaborative, consultative and able to work in fast a paced environment
• Comfortable in matrix management within a complex global business
• Highly commercial with strong negotiation and influencing skills
• Solutions-focused with exceptional problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Project Management experience / certifications

In Kerry we know that sometimes the perfect candidate doesn’t exist, and people can be put off applying for a role if they don’t fit all the requirements. If you are excited about working for us and have the majority of the skills or experience, then please do apply as you could be exactly what we are looking for.

Why should I apply?

As well as this incredible opportunity to make a real difference, you will also benefit from ongoing personal development and the ability to further grow your career within our business.  Also on offer is senior level salary and comprehensive benefits package.
 

In Kerry we benefit from the knowledge of our colleagues who bring a diverse range of cultures, backgrounds, lifestyles, and experiences. One team fostering an inclusive culture that, above all, inspires food and nourishes life. One culture where everyone brings their unique perspectives and experiences to help make us better, together. We are committed to nurturing an environment of positivity and inclusiveness, where everyone can be at their best, both personally and professionally.
 

Our recruitment, selection and assessment process are based on the skills and competencies of the specific roles and based entirely on merit.  We are committed to and value Diversity and Inclusion in all recruitment processes within Kerry and do not discriminate based on gender, race, class, economic status, ethnic background, sexual orientation, age, political beliefs, veteran status, marital status, or any other protected characteristic