Regional Category Manager - Americas Indirect

Regional Category Manager - Americas Indirect

Location: Erlanger, KY, US, 41018

Perfetti Van Melle (makers of Mentos, Airheads, Dentyne, Trident and Bubblicious!) is one of the world's largest manufacturers and distributors of confectionery and chewing gum with global brands that are being enjoyed in more than 150 countries worldwide. We’re currently seeking a passionate and enthusiastic Regional Category Manager, Indirect Materials to join our growing team.

This role will lead the Indirect Category Management activities within the region and support global Indirect Category Management activities including supply market studies, supplier scanning, negotiations, stake holder management, information sharing, reporting, budgeting, etc. This role will support SAP Ariba implementation projects and will be the lead for Procurement with processes and implementation.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Manages and grows PVM’s relationships with all its vendors in consonance with Group procurement’s Vision, with special emphasis on Strategic Vendors.
• Manages supplier performance to maximize value delivered by strategic suppliers for selected categories.
• Leads supplier review meetings engaging with senior supplier stakeholders to drive supplier performance in the region and manage regional performance issues.
• Leverages supplier KPI scorecards and supplier performance reports to inform the supplier review process.
• Brings the sustainability and innovation capabilities of strategic suppliers into PVM Group and support Group’s development in these areas.
• Supports local procurement on claim handling, supplier agreements, and trouble shooting.
• Leads the Budget/LE /Price Forecast processes in the region, including overall quality and timeline control.
• Collects data from each OCs and verify local buyers inputs with GPS team’s support.
• Responsible for delivering GPS category indices for global portfolios with regional input based on market and supplier analysis.
• Responsible for the unit rate inputs together for Global & Regional execution categories, and co‑ordinate with GCM for global categories.
• Responsible for overall result and presentation to stakeholders.
• Supports functional budget owners to set‑up annual budgets.

• Bachelor’s degree required in relevant field, preferably procurement specialization.
• Supply chain/ procurement certification or relevant would be a plus.
• 8+ years professional experience in strategic procurement required.
• Proven experience with implementing SAP Ariba for Procurement on the process and user side of the implementation.
• Extensive overall knowledge of various functional domains related to Procurement Processes; e.g. Order to Cash, Purchase to Pay, Catalogue Buying Systems and Supplier Market Places.
• Wide and deep knowledge of relevant Indirect Procurement categories (facilities, ICT, MRO, travel, Logistics) including the supplier base.
• Sustainable Sourcing experience would be a plus.
• Ability to quickly build a professional network in new markets.
• Project Management and well‑developed negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical skills, incl. Excel, data analysis, reports generating etc.
• Experience in contract and risk management.
• Strong strategic business case development & stakeholder management / presentation / communication skills at senior management level.
• Understanding of Source to Pay process.
• Bilingual, Spanish fluency a plus.

At Perfetti Van Melle, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, where all individuals, regardless of background or identity, are valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives to the sweet success of our candy‑loving community. Additionally, we have a core value of Care For Our People and we are proud to offer benefit programs that support our team members' goals and well‑being including:

• PTO package including vacation, sick, personal, and pay‑it‑forward time off.
• 13 paid holidays.
• 401(k) with company match up to 8%, ranking in the top 1% of the country.
• Annual bonus potential and merit‑based increases.
• 20 weeks maternity & 12 weeks paternity leave options.
• Sam's Club or Costco annual membership reimbursement.
• Tuition‑free College Program or free continued education (BA, Masters, etc.).
• Modest monthly candy allotment (Airheads, Airheads Xtremes, and Mentos).

Join a 2025 NKY Best Workplace by applying today!

Perfetti Van Melle, USA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.