Regional Procurement Manager - Indirect services

Job Title: Regional Category Manager for Indirect Services
Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands

About Us:

We are a global leader in the food services industry, dedicated to delivering high-quality, sustainable, and innovative food solutions to customers around the world. With a strong focus on customer satisfaction, sustainability, and operational excellence, we are continually expanding and evolving to meet the diverse needs of our market. As part of our ongoing commitment to operational excellence, we are seeking a Regional Category Manager for Indirect Services to join our team in Rotterdam.

Position Overview:

As the Regional Category Manager for Indirect Services, you will play a critical role in managing the sourcing and procurement of indirect services across the European region. You will be responsible for overseeing key categories such as IT services, HR, marketing, facilities management, and other non-production-related services, ensuring that these services are sourced effectively and aligned with the company's strategic goals. This role offers an excellent opportunity to drive value and efficiencies through strategic sourcing while fostering strong supplier relationships.

You will collaborate closely with regional business leaders, procurement teams, and stakeholders across various functions to develop and execute sourcing strategies, negotiate supplier agreements, and optimize costs. Your ability to manage relationships and navigate the complexities of the indirect services category will be essential for success in this role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Category Management for Indirect Services:
  Develop and implement regional sourcing strategies for key indirect services categories, such as IT services, marketing, HR services, facilities management, and logistics. Ensure that these strategies align with overall business objectives and operational needs.

• Supplier Relationship Management:
  Build and manage strong, long-term relationships with regional and global suppliers. Ensure the highest standards of service delivery, contract compliance, and continuous improvement.

• Stakeholder Engagement:
  Partner with internal stakeholders, including IT, HR, marketing, legal, and finance teams, to understand their needs and create sourcing solutions that meet their objectives while ensuring cost-effectiveness and efficiency.

• Cost Optimization:
  Identify and execute opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and supplier consolidation to maximize value and minimize costs across indirect services categories.

• Contract Negotiation and Management:
  Negotiate contracts with suppliers, ensuring favorable terms and compliance with service-level agreements (SLAs). Manage contract renewals, extensions, and performance evaluations.

• Market Analysis and Benchmarking:
  Conduct market research and supplier benchmarking to stay informed of industry trends and ensure the company remains competitive. Provide insights and recommendations for optimizing service delivery and supplier performance.

• Performance Monitoring and Reporting:
  Monitor supplier performance through key performance indicators (KPIs) and regularly report on the status of indirect services categories to senior leadership. Ensure continuous supplier performance and identify areas for improvement.

• Risk Management:
  Proactively manage risks related to indirect services procurement, including supplier performance, contract compliance, and market volatility. Develop risk mitigation strategies as needed.

• Sustainability and Compliance:
  Ensure that sourcing strategies and supplier relationships are aligned with the company's sustainability goals and compliance requirements, including ethical sourcing and environmental considerations.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience:

  • 5+ years of experience in procurement or category management, with a focus on indirect services (e.g., IT, HR, facilities, marketing).
  • Strong experience in negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships within a multinational or regional context.
  • Experience in the food services industry or a related sector is a plus.

• Education:

  • A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or a related field. Professional certifications (e.g., CIPS, CPSM) are a plus.

• Skills:

  • Proven ability to develop and implement sourcing strategies for indirect services.
  • Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization.
  • Proficiency in procurement software and Microsoft Office tools (Excel, PowerPoint).

• Languages:

  • Fluent in English (both written and verbal). Proficiency in Dutch or other European languages is an advantage.

• Regional Experience:

  • Experience working in the European region, with an understanding of the local market dynamics, supplier base, and regulatory landscape.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Industry Expertise:
  • Experience managing indirect services procurement in the food services, hospitality, or consumer goods industries.
• Strategic Mindset:
  • Strong strategic thinking and the ability to drive long-term value creation through category management.
• Project Management Skills:
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, with a focus on meeting deadlines and achieving objectives.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work in a global, dynamic, and innovative company.
• A flexible and collaborative work environment in Rotterdam.
• Exposure to a wide range of categories and procurement processes, enhancing your professional growth.
• Opportunities to make a significant impact on a globally recognized brand.