Category Procurement Manager – Packaging, Amersfoort, Utrecht

Company Overview
We are part of a leading, innovative food and beverage multinational dedicated to delivering quality products worldwide. Our corporate procurement team plays a critical role in optimizing costs, enhancing supplier performance, and driving sustainability initiatives. We foster a forward-thinking, entrepreneurial culture focused on collaboration, continuous improvement, and making a meaningful impact on the company’s profitability.

Job Description
We are seeking a proactive and experienced Global Packaging Sourcing Manager to lead our procurement efforts for a diverse range of packaging materials. In this role, you will develop and execute strategic sourcing plans aligned with business needs, manage key supplier relationships, and identify opportunities to reduce costs and increase value across our packaging portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive, long-term procurement strategies for packaging categories, including pallets, labels, bags, sleeves, and tertiary packaging, ensuring alignment with company goals.
• Lead global sourcing initiatives, managing spend of approximately €80 million annually, and coordinate with procurement teams across regions.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with strategic suppliers to foster innovation, sustainability, and value creation.
• Manage supplier performance and relationship programs, driving continuous improvement and strategic partnerships.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities through spend analysis, should-cost modeling, and supplier negotiations.
• Facilitate tenders and coordinate sourcing activities with core stakeholders and internal buyers.
• Oversee project development and implementation in line with category strategies, ensuring timely delivery and stakeholder engagement.
• Act as the category expert, providing insights into market trends, cost drivers, and sustainability initiatives.
• Prepare and manage budgets, monitor commodity price fluctuations, and conduct cost analyses to support financial planning.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams across functions to ensure supply chain robustness, risk mitigation, and innovation drive.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant procurement experience in packaging materials, preferably within a multinational environment.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, capable of engaging at senior levels.
• Proven track record of strategic sourcing, cost reduction, and supplier relationship management.
• Results-oriented, proactive, and able to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Analytical mindset with pragmatic, solution-focused approach.
• University degree or equivalent qualification.
• Excellent command of English; Dutch language skills are a plus.
• Willingness to occasionally visit factories; partial remote work is possible.

Other Information
If you are interested and want to apply, please submit your application via the apply button below and contact me. This position is a maternity leave replacement, with potential for additional opportunities. The role requires occasional factory visits, and the preferred start date is ASAP Please note, we are only considering candidates speaking English fluently; Dutch is an advantage. This opportunity is not open to freelance (Zzp) candidates. The work location will include some travel, with partial WFH possible. We look forward to your application!

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