Sourcing Manager, Raw Materials

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Sourcing Managerto lead the procurement of Raw Materials. This strategic role is responsible for developing and executing effective sourcing strategies, managing the end-to-end supplier lifecycle, and driving high-impact negotiations to achieve business objectives.

As the subject matter expert for your assigned categories, driving cost-saving initiatives, ensuring material availability, and maintaining strong supplier relationships to secure competitive pricing and mitigate supply chain risks.

Key Responsibilities:

Supplier and Category Management

. Participate in commercial supplier qualification activities to aid development of strategic suppliers.

. Serve as the centre of knowledge for assigned suppliers, sharing insights with key stakeholders.

. Partner with different functions internal stakeholders to build a comprehensive view of supplier performance.

. Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to secure competitive pricing, reliable stock allocation, and early access to new products.

. Develop the supply base to meet the company's business and supply chain goals.

. Communicate key supplier management updates and decisions to multiple levels in the organization, including Executive Leadership.

. Serve as a point of escalation for all suppliers, leading and solving escalations.

Negotiation & Contract Management

. Develop a contract strategy for suppliers in assigned categories.

. Create, negotiate, monitor, and enforce contracted terms and conditions.

. Lead negotiations for contract extensions, renewals or closures.

. Collaborate across categories to ensure unified negotiation plans.

. Lead sourcing events and the RFQ process into bundled negotiations.

. Negotiate cost and commercial terms to achieve the best overall value and long-term partnership benefits.

. Incorporate savings targets and contract requirements into negotiations.

. Active Management of portfolio for all suppliers ensuring accuracy (prices, period, SKU) and execution.

Cost Management & Market Analysis

. Identify and evaluate category-specific savings.

. Drive category savings/revenue and scorecard metric targets.

. Utilize should-cost models for assigned categories that are benchmarked and relevant to the global marketplace.

. Analyse market conditions and implement supply chain strategies to assure supply and price competitiveness.

. Provide market intelligence and category price trends to relevant internal stakeholders.

. Research, prepare, and publish market intelligence reports, alerts, and trends.

Material Supply Optimization

. Develop and execute sourcing and origination strategies to strengthen and expand the supplier base

. Monitor material lead times, sample order status, and delivery schedules.

. Collaborate with sourcing and planning teams to ensure material availability and mitigate risks.

. Support capacity planning and supplier allocation based on recipes optimization and seasonal needs.

. Demonstrate expertise in assigned commodities and competency in all aspects of the commodity's supply chain management.

. May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

. Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field.

. Minimum of 6 years experience in commodities product line management and/or physical commodity trading with ownership of P&L.

. Demonstrate experience in trading, risk management, market analysis and operations.

. In-depth understanding of cocoa, fats, dairy markets preferred.

. Excellent interpersonal skills, strategic thinking and negotiation skills.

. High level of initiative, resilience and adaptability in a dynamic working environment.