Category Procurement Manager - IMAS

Kerry Group • Beloit, WI

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.
About the role
The Category Procurement Manager for Indirect supporting primary supporting Kerry’s Integrated Operation and will manage an annual spend exceeding $150 million. This position is responsible for collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and execute strategic approaches for MRO, Service and Capex procurement across more than 50 sites in North America, including both the United States and Canada. The manager leads strategic sourcing activities for the Americas Region, working closely with asset management, operations, and maintenance departments. The main objectives are to achieve cost reductions, implement robust processes, and maintain or enhance vendor service levels. Additionally, this role is tasked with executing both regional and global strategies and driving cost optimisation initiatives. This is a hybrid role, requiring the ability to commute two to three days per week to the headquarters in Beloit, WI, or to one of our key manufacturing sites within the US.

Requirements

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, or a related field is required; an MBA is preferred.
• 8+ years’ experience in MRO and direct procurement is essential.
• Proven experience within the food or pharmaceutical industry.
• Ability to travel domestically as necessary (20–30% of the time).
• Strong communication skills and a proactive approach.
• Demonstrated ability to secure buy-in and commitment from stakeholders, with a track record of effective collaboration.
• Outstanding problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Deep understanding of purchasing procedures and tools.
• Familiarity with SAP, procurement sourcing tools, and relevant management systems is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead category sourcing activities for MRO and Capex the Americas Region and provide support for other IMAS (Indirect Materials and Services) procurement as required.
• Review requirements from both internal and external customers to identify key supplier characteristics.
• Analyse market conditions to assess current and future pricing and supply, and prepare market summaries for finance and business units.
• Monitor procurement reporting systems to ensure company requirements are met.
• Collaborate with maintenance and operations teams to select vendors, negotiate pricing, and support continuous improvement and corrective action initiatives.
• Resolve operational issues directly with vendors and manage feedback concerning supplier performance.
• Review and address vendor claims and contracts to ensure they conform to company policy.
• Recruit and retain suppliers that deliver high-quality products and services at competitive prices, while upholding the highest standards of ethics and conduct.
• Negotiate complex requests for materials and services.
• Work closely with other functions across the region to implement category sourcing initiatives.
• Develop sourcing and implementation strategies aligned with Kerry’s quality, service, and financial goals.
• Prepare and issue purchasing contracts.
• Review contracts, bids, proposals, and vendor agreements for legal accuracy, pricing, and compliance with specifications.
• Establish and utilise a system for evaluating vendor quotations with effective negotiation and purchasing techniques to ensure quality, price, delivery, and service standards are met.
• Support continuous improvement projects for Engineering and Maintenance operations.

Benefits

• In addition to your pay, Kerry offers benefits such as a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and retirement contribution (all benefits and incentives are subject to eligibility requirements).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager