Senior Manager Category Management, Procurement

1. Develop and execute front-of-funnel innovation sourcing opportunities achieved through cross-functional partnerships with R&D, Marketing, Legal, Supply Chain and Procurement
2. Partner with R&D and Brand Marketing to identify white space opportunities, develop intellectual property roadmaps and source external capabilities to support the longer-term research and innovation pipeline. Provide guidance to ensure new designs consider scalable, cost-effective, and sustainable options.
3. Partner with Procurement Category Managers: identify and evaluate new emerging ingredient and packaging materials, lead the procurement workstream to ensure readiness and competitive advantage
4. Supplier Development and Partnership: Develop suppliers (existing and new) with strong innovation capabilities and advanced technologies to drive innovation and supply resilience. Cultivate strategic supplier relationships enabling the research and innovation agenda.

Qualifications:
* Strategic Sourcing and Procurement Expertise: Demonstrated expertise to develop and implement sourcing strategies that align with organizational goals. This includes negotiating complex contracts and intellectual property literacy to drive value, innovation and mitigate risk.

* Influence and Cross-Functional Collaboration: Strong ability to navigate matrixed organization structure and to influence and align stakeholders. Strong interpersonal skills to facilitate communication, resolve conflicts, and achieve collaborative outcomes

* R&D sourcing and Procurement sourcing experience within the CPG and/or food/beverage sectors * Analytical and Financial Acumen: Strong analytical skills to evaluate market data, pricing trends, and total cost of ownership. Ability to use financial models to assess cost-saving opportunities and make data-driven decisions. Owns delivery of annual budget and ongoing budget/market forecasting.

* Supplier Relationship Management: Proven experience in building and maintaining effective relationships with suppliers. Skills in negotiating terms, managing performance, and collaborating on continuous improvement and sustainability initiatives.

* Risk Management and Compliance: Knowledge of regulatory requirements and best practices. Proficiency in identifying and mitigating risks to ensure compliance and minimize disruptions

Education & Experience:

* Education: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Food Science, or a related field. An MBA or advanced degree is preferred but not required.

* Experience: Minimum of 7 years of experience in indirect and direct procurement or R&D management within the consumer-packaged goods industry. Proven track record in managing complex sourcing projects, R&D sourcing projects, supplier relationships, and cost management initiatives.