Group Category Manager - Dairy & Protein

Are you ready to shape the global sourcing strategy for two business-critical categories? As Group Category Manager – Dairy & Protein, you will combine deep market insight, commercial acumen and strong stakeholder leadership to create sustainable value across our international organisation. You will take ownership of the Dairy & Protein category strategy—from market analysis and supplier innovation to negotiation, contracting and implementation. Working closely with Procurement Colleagues, R&D, Quality, Supply Chain and Finance, you will build resilient supply partnerships, unlock value and help bring great bakery products to customers around the world.

Category scope includes Dairy: various milk derivatives, milk powders, cheese across different types/formats and a broad range of other milk derivatives used in bakery applications. Protein: primarily processed meat products, such as scalded sausages, hams, bacon, as well as egg products such as liquid egg and egg powders.

• Develop and execute global Dairy & Protein sourcing strategies aligned with business priorities and procurement goals.
• Monitor commodity markets, cost drivers, supply dynamics and emerging trends; translate insights into sourcing roadmaps, forecasts and recommendations.
• Manage end-to-end RFx processes, supplier selection, negotiations and contracting, focusing on total value across cost, quality, innovation, sustainability and risk.
• Develop strategic supplier relationships, lead business reviews and performance improvement plans, and drive joint innovation and value-creation initiatives.
• Identify and realise savings, mitigate inflation, optimise the supplier portfolio and strengthen working-capital performance.
• Ensure supply continuity, robust contingency planning, ethical sourcing and compliance with procurement governance and contracting standards.
• Ensure global agreements and category initiatives are adopted across business units, sites and geographies.
• Guide category teams, local procurement colleagues and cross-functional project members; coach stakeholders and build procurement capability.

• A university degree in Business, Supply Chain, Food Science, Engineering or a related field; a Master’s degree is an advantage.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in strategic procurement or category management, preferably within food, ingredients, FMCG or a manufacturing environment.
• Good knowledge of Dairy and/or Protein markets, including key cost drivers, supply dynamics and the supplier landscape.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing category strategies and managing sourcing projects in a regional or international setting.
• Strong negotiation, analytical and project-management skills, with practical experience in supplier selection and contracting.
• The confidence to collaborate with and influence stakeholders across different functions, cultures and geographies.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional teams or projects; initial coaching or functional leadership experience is an advantage.
• Very good Excel skills and experience with procurement or ERP systems; knowledge of SAP, GEP or analytics dashboards is an advantage.
• Fluent English; German or another European language is an advantage.

ARYZTA is the world’s number one frozen bakery company, taking pride in high quality, delicious food and a diverse global team. The company values fairness, respect and dignity, and is committed to equal opportunity employment and embracing diversity.

You will work closely with Procurement Colleagues, R&D, Quality, Supply Chain and Finance, supported by a collaborative procurement network.