Strategic Sourcing; Category Manager- Co- manufacturing

About the opportunity

Working with our co-manufacturing partners, the Strategic Sourcing Category Manager is an active member of the (direct) Purchasing Team North America (NA), participates in sharing purchasing excellence and strategies, supporting teamwork, joint learning and development initiatives. The incumbent will lead the North American sourcing strategy initiatives for an assigned Category (co-manufacturing).

• Develops local /regional sourcing strategies for the Category managed, using detailed analysis of historical & current spend data, combined with sourcing and research of new suppliers.
• Achieve budget objectives by identifying, developing and supporting North American sourcing strategy initiatives for the assigned Category or the North American Sourcing.
• Leads the implementation, and management of the strategy for the Category, making sure the needs and specifications of each Business Unit are considered.
• Take ownership of the bid process, through in-depth knowledge and analysis of key cost drivers, qualify vendors, tender, negotiate, implement, and manage all contracts related to the category.
• Support global negotiation initiatives led by Lactalis senior global procurement team by providing information such as pricing specifications, vendor listings and negotiating at local and global level. As well as providing information as a subject matter export on the Category being managed.
• Lead cross-functional teams with internal stakeholders in the design and implementation of sourcing strategies
• Identify and execute negotiation cost savings initiatives.
• Participate as a subject matter expert in working with cross-functional teams, providing insight to key functional areas of the business for effective project execution such as process optimization. The scope includes pricing, as well as process improvements ideas provided by the vendors, and insights into the portfolio.
• Develop supplier relationships to optimize supplier quality and performance, including continuous improvement, innovation, and reduction in total cost of ownership to add value to North America region. Responsible for supplier quality and supplier contract compliance with respect to the category managed.
• Perform administrative duties such as tracking cost savings initiatives, providing monthly status reports vs. objective targets reviewing and validating pricing and communicating the pricing to master data for upload.
• Responsible for providing insights on the market for LE & monthly risk & opportunities forecast reports to the divisions
• Participate as an active member of the Strategic Sourcing team, sharing purchasing strategies, supporting teamwork, joint learning and development initiative.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, Procurement or another appropriate discipline
• Five (5) to ten (10) years’ experience in a Procurement function, preferably at a food company
• Industrial and/or Supply Chain Purchasing experience preferred
• Initiative, and strong interpersonal skills.
• Able to positively influence others
• Ease of presenting in front of small to medium size groups and leadership
• Consultative and customer centric approach that nurtures interest, engagement, and the sharing of ideas.
• Highly focused and proactive
• Strong planning, project management, and execution skills
• Rigorous data driven/analytical capability and ability to present data to a leadership level
• Proficient with Microsoft Office including advanced proficiency MS Excel and MS Power Point
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines within specified time constraints
• Ability to adapt in a changing work environment
• Bilingual (French/English) is an asset

Lactalis Canada believes in rewarding its people with the following comprehensive benefits package and perks:

• A Performance-Based Bonus System
• 4 Weeks of Vacation
• A Pension Program with an Employer Match at 100% of up to 6%
• Tuition reimbursement plan of up to $3,000/year
• A Volunteer Day to give back to your community
• Learning and Development opportunities
• A commitment to internal career advancement with potential for international mobility

Our…