Global Category Strategy Director

Glanbia•Chicago, IL

4d•$160,000 - $220,000•Hybrid

About The Position

A vacancy has arisen for a Global Category Strategy Director on a permanent basis. This role is responsible for defining and executing global category strategies that enable Glanbia Health & Nutrition to achieve competitive advantage, supply continuity, cost leadership, innovation enablement, and risk mitigation across key spend categories.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required
10+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, category management, or procurement leadership
Significant experience in global, matrixed organizations
Proven track record developing and executing global category strategies at scale
Strong commercial and financial acumen
Deep knowledge of global supply markets (e.g., ingredients, packaging, contract manufacturing)
Demonstrated leadership capability managing and developing high-performing, geographically dispersed teams
Strong influencing and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to operate at senior levels
Experience leading complex negotiations and strategic supplier partnerships
Data-driven decision-making capability with strong analytical skills
Change leadership mindset with a focus on continuous improvement

Nice To Haves

MBA or advanced degree preferred
food, nutrition, pharma, or ingredient industries preferred

Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of multi-year global category strategies that drive competitive advantage, cost leadership, supply continuity, and innovation across key spend areas
Partner cross-functionally with Procurement, R&D, Operations, Quality, Finance, and Commercial teams to align category strategies to business growth priorities and innovation roadmaps
Own global sourcing strategies, including supplier segmentation, make vs. buy decisions, and value creation initiatives
Drive end-to-end value across cost, quality, service, sustainability, and risk management
Lead strategic supplier relationships, including executive engagement, performance management, and joint business planning
Ensure supply continuity through proactive risk assessment, contingency planning, and market diversification
Enable early supplier engagement to unlock innovation, new technologies, and capabilities
Champion ESG, responsible sourcing, and sustainability initiatives aligned with Glanbia’s commitments
Build and lead high-performing global category teams, strengthening capability and succession pipelines
Act as a key strategic partner to senior leadership, providing data-driven insights and recommendations