Category Manager

ADM unlocks the power of nature to enrich the quality of life. We're a premier global human and animal nutrition company, delivering solutions today with an eye to the future. We're blazing new trails in health and well-being as our scientists develop groundbreaking products to support healthier living. We're a cutting-edge innovator leading the way to a new future of plant-based consumer and industrial solutions to replace petroleum-based products. We're an unmatched agricultural supply chain manager and processor, providing food security by connecting local needs with global capabilities. And we're a leader in sustainability, scaling across entire value chains to help decarbonize our industry and safeguard our planet. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional and sustainability challenges of today and tomorrow. Learn more at

Job Description

An opportunity has arisen for a Category Manager – Contract Manufacturing. The main purpose of this role is to develop and execute category strategies in collaboration with stakeholders and in alignment with regional and local sourcing requirements. You will work closely with our business unit leaders to understand implementation challenges and to develop solutions to increase compliance. In this role, you will assist our different businesses to determine and manage requirements by providing insight into alternative options to better control demand.

Your Responsibilities

Reporting directly to APAC Indirect Procurement Director and working with global Contract Manufacturing category team. The main duties of this role will include:

• In designated region, define and implement contract Manufacturing procurement strategy, managing risk and maximizing current/future market conditions, implementing Co Man solutions to ensure critical supply needs are met;
• Lead, monitor and develop Co-Man projects in designated region with multifunctional teams while collaborating with the Global Contract Manufacturing teams;
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with key suppliers, providing high level of issue resolution where necessary (commercial, quality and service);
• Drive external marketplace knowledge of the latest category dynamics, trends and best practices aiming to drive implementation of continuous improvement opportunities;
• Develop an annual plan based on organizational goals/objectives and marketplace knowledge;
• Negotiate category's procurement activities, strategic sourcing, supplier management and contract management leveraging company's 7 steps sourcing process;
• Provide leadership and support during sourcing initiatives, including total cost of ownership model development, category strategy development, fact-based negotiation strategy development & execution, supplier evaluation & selection, and category implementation;
• Streamline S2P Process by ensuring consistency and best practices sharing across Businesses;
• Develop industry cost modeling scenarios and document regional market trends;
• Implement necessary tools and reports to manage categories and supply base e.g. contract management spend management;
• Drive efforts to understand internal customer needs and summarize business requirements as input into enterprise-wide sourcing efforts;
• Proactively engage internal stakeholders to align objectives, jointly develop category strategies and communicate market and sourcing information;
• Budget responsibility for all co-manufacturing related spends
• Establish and evaluate performance metrics for category, including savings and revenue growth results.

Your Profile

• Bachelor's Degree preferably in Supply Management, Operations, Business or Engineering. Master's Degree in related field is preferred
• Minimum 10 years business experience with 6 years preferably in Contract Manufacturing/Procurement/Supply Chain.
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to engage, communicate and influence mid to senior level stakeholders (internal / external) and establish trust and credibility with business unit leaders and other functional stakeholders
• Strong analytical skills with a deep understanding of financial analysis; ability to analyze data as well as draw out and communicate insights
• Hands-on, self-starter and ability to work with minimum direction. Capable of designing new processes, tools and governance mechanisms.
• Capable of creating pre-negotiation strategy including company's Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement (BATNA)
• Experience in negotiation of complex agreements; commercial skills and familiarity with contract law is a must
• Strong communication skills in English, both verbal and written (fluent in other languages a strong plus)
• Familiarity with multiple source-to-pay systems (eg. COUPA, Ariba, Bravo, Maximo) and ERP software (JDE, SAP, etc.)
• Experienced in adapting e-Sourcing concepts in procurement activities. Proficient in using relevant e-Sourcing tools
• Regional awareness (culture, currencies, geography, and political)
• Experience in Human and/or Animal Nutrition/ Oilseeds / Agri-business industry
• Experience in LEAN Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and/or project management;
• Strong Project Execution is a must

Your Future Perspective

Challenging tasks, short decision-making processes and a high level of personal responsibility in a modern work environment with flexible work time models

Room for innovative thinking and growth with the possibility to manage your own career path.

A company culture which promotes continuous learning and diversity.

Excellent career opportunities in a world leading nutrition company.

An attractive remuneration including a variety of social benefits like subsidized health & fitness offers.

ADM is a company where managers and colleagues are encouraged to discuss and enable the flexibility that is needed to meet the demands of work and life.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and value diversity at our company. If you feel this job is for you, unlock your potential and apply now online informing us about your earliest possible entry date and salary expectation. By applying for this position, you agree to ADM's privacy notice.