Role highlights
Full Time
Permanent
Lead
On-site
The Procurement Category Manager role requires a seasoned professional with a Master's degree and at least five years of experience in sourcing or category management, specifically within construction and production equipment sectors, ideally in the food and beverage industry. The candidate must demonstrate strong project management capabilities, analytical skills, and a strategic mindset to define and execute sourcing strategies for construction and building categories, ensuring a competitive and compliant supplier portfolio. Expertise in managing complex negotiations and contracts, leading tenders, and driving supplier relationship management is essential. The role demands excellent business partnering and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally to support successful Capex project execution. Fluency in English and strong communication skills are critical for engaging with international suppliers and internal teams. A proactive, adaptable approach is necessary to thrive in a dynamic, multi-country environment, including travel commitments of 20-30 days annually. Technical knowledge of production equipment and building construction within the food and beverage sector is advantageous. The position offers the opportunity to work within a high-spend, multinational procurement team, reporting to senior leadership, and contributing to sustainable operations in a market-leading company. Overall, the ideal candidate combines deep sourcing expertise, negotiation acumen, and stakeholder engagement skills to lead category management efforts and support complex capital projects effectively.
About the role
Role Summary
- Lead sourcing for Capex projects, focusing on construction and building categories
- Ensure supplier portfolio delivers production equipment and building construction to optimize dairy operations
- Join a passionate procurement team managing a ~3.5 billion EUR annual spend across multiple countries
- Report to the Senior Procurement Director of Capex, MRO, utilities, and chemicals
- Location options: Aarhus, Düsseldorf, Stockholm, or Leeds
Responsibilities
- Define and execute sourcing strategies for construction and building categories
- Maintain a competitive and compliant supplier portfolio for construction projects in relevant markets
- Take sourcing lead on specific Capex projects beyond your own category
- Develop and manage strong, long-lasting supplier relationships
- Understand industry standards and construction contracts in relevant markets
- Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders to ensure successful project execution
- Lead tenders, negotiate projects, and manage sourcing and supply activities
- Provide senior-level advice on sourcing tactics and supplier capabilities
- Maintain transparency in sourcing pipeline and ensure performance reporting
- Travel approximately 20-30 days per year to visit suppliers and Arla dairies across Europe
Requirements
- Master’s degree
- At least 5 years of experience in a similar sourcing or category management role
- Strong project management mindset and analytical skills
- Experience in construction and/or production equipment sourcing, preferably in the food and beverage industry
- Excellent business partnering and stakeholder management skills
- Strong communication and negotiation abilities
- Fluent in spoken and written English
- Ability to manage complex negotiations and contracts
- Proactive, adaptable, and thrives in a dynamic, international environment
Nice to Have
- Technical knowledge of production equipment and building construction in the food and beverage sector
Benefits
- Join a high-performing, collaborative team with a positive culture
- Opportunities for professional growth and internal promotion
- Be part of a market leader producing sustainable, household-favorite brands
How to Apply
- Interviews are conducted on an ongoing basis; apply as soon as possible
- Recruitment will close once the right candidate is found
- For questions, contact Procurement Senior Director Ninna Normand Helles at [email protected]
