Strategic Sourcing Category Manager

Position Summary

The Strategic Sourcing Category Manager is a member of Bakkavor’s Central Procurement Organization and will lead the development, implementation and oversight of national and/or localized sourcing strategies and tactics for assigned direct material categories. As a category expert, you have a deep understanding of applicable supply markets, applying that knowledge across the Source to Pay spectrum including supply market research, supplier selection & onboarding, contract negotiations, budget development and forecasting, risk management, short- and long-term supply plans and supplier performance and relationship management. This role identifies value-creation opportunities, leads cross-functional / site projects for the category, supports innovation and collaborates closely with site operations, materials & supply management, finance and R&D.

Position Responsibilities

• Develops and manages all aspects of category sourcing strategies, contracting and supply planning including category/supplier market intelligence, competitive bidding/negotiations/contracting and supplier relationship management – ensuring Company and business/site objectives are supported
• Provides leadership and oversite for category critical tasks including market outlooks, risk management / business continuity planning, supplier performance management and PPV forecasting
• Develops and executes Annual Operating Plan, cost reduction/productivity initiatives and monthly PPV forecasting
• Establishes and manages relationship with internal stakeholders at all Bakkavor USA sites, ensuring the successful implementation of sourcing strategies, ongoing supplier management activities & productivity initiatives
• Creates/manages processes & KPIs collaborative with the Materials & Supply Planning teams balancing multiple priorities/metrics including inventory levels, inventory turns, PPV, stock outs, obsolescence & contract compliance
• Establishes and manages relationship with suppliers to include periodic business reviews, contractual cost/price/performance reviews, cross functional ideation sessions and value engineering workshops
• Evaluates multiple risk areas including contractual/legal, financial viability, cost and supply chain disruption; develops risk management strategies and mitigation activities to reduce likelihood of occurrence and degree of business impact
• Develops, manages and executes a market intelligence & monitoring process for assigned categories, using insights and trends to liaise strategically with the business and suppliers
• Identifies value creation opportunities to lower total cost of ownership while ensuring supply
• Supports new product development by identifying appropriate sources for new materials, providing cost inputs to P&Ls while establishing supply strategies/plans

Position requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Supply Chain Management, Finance or Economics
• 5 years’ experience in Strategic Sourcing or Procurement within the food manufacturing sector
• Professional certification in Supply Management preferred
• Strategic mindset with quantitative, problem-solving, project management, negotiation skills, strong business and financial acumen
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills with the ability to build trust across a multiple site organization, leading by influence and integrity
• Adept at managing change and working through ambiguity to identify and drive to a solution, both independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement and organization excellence with a positive winning attitude and high energy level
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word; ability to understand and work with multiple ERP systems
• Travel approximately 20%