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.
About the role
The Category Manager will oversee an annual spend of over $150 million. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional partners to develop and execute strategies for the company's MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) spend across more than 50 sites in North America (US & Canada). The manager will lead strategic sourcing activities for the Americas Region, working closely with asset management, operations, and maintenance teams. The primary goals are to achieve cost reductions, implement robust processes, and maintain or improve vendor service levels. This position is also responsible for executing regional and global strategies and implementing cost optimization initiatives.
This is a hybrid role with the expectation to be able to commute 2 - 3 days per week to our headquarters located in Beloit, WI or to one of our key manufacturing sites in the US.
What will you do?
Lead category sourcing activities for MRO in the America's Region and support other aspects of IMAS (Indirect Materials and Services) spend as needed.
Review requirements from internal and external customers to determine key supplier characteristics.
Analyze market conditions to determine present and future pricing and supply, prepare market summary for finance and business units.
Monitor procurement reporting systems to meet company requirements.
Select vendors in collaboration with the maintenance and operation functions, negotiates pricing, and supports continuous improvement & corrective action initiatives.
Directly solve operational issues with vendors and manages supplier performance feedback.
Review and resolve vendor claims and contracts for conformance to company policy.
Recruit and maintain suppliers that provide high quality products and services at a better price while maintaining the highest code of ethics and conduct.
Negotiate complex requests for materials and services.
Work day-to-day with the other functions in the region on implementation of category sourcing initiatives.
Develop sourcing and implementation strategy consistent with Kerry quality, service and financial goals.
Prepare and issues purchasing contracts.
Prepare and reviews contracts, bids, proposals, and vendor agreements for legal correctness, price, and acceptability of items to specifications.
Develop and utilize a system to evaluate vendor quotations with the appropriate negotiation and purchasing techniques to ensure quality, price, delivery, and service.
Support continuous improvement projects for Engineering and Maintenance operations.
What will you need to be successful?
Minimum Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering or a related field, MBA Preferred.
8+ years' experience in MRO/Indirect procurement.
Proven experience within the food / pharmaceutical industry.
Must be able to travel as necessary (20 - 30%, domestic)
Strong communication skills and initiative. Able to get buy-in and commitment from stakeholders - proven collaboration capability.
Must have excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
Excellent understanding of purchasing procedures & tools.
Familiarity with SAP, Procurement Sourcing Tools, and relevant management systems a plus.
Compensation Data
The typical hiring range for this role is $105,735 to $164,255 annually and is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, location, etc. In addition to your pay, Kerry offers benefits such as a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and retirement contribution (all benefits and incentives are subject to eligibility requirements).
Kerry is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Kerry will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen. Additional information can be found at: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (dol.gov).