Lead Buyer - Packaging, Technics, and Services

Döhler is a global producer, marketer and provider of technology-driven natural ingredients, ingredient systems and integrated solutions for the global food, beverage and nutrition industry. Döhler is all about mastering sensory performance and nutrition. Being sustainable by nature, Döhler helps to nourish the world better: Good for people – Good for planet.®

Döhler’s ingredients are derived from natural raw materials. The comprehensive product portfolio of natural ingredients ranges from natural flavours, natural colours, natural health ingredients, and a broad range of plant-based ingredients to ingredient systems and end-to-end solutions.

The Lead Buyer – Packaging, Technics, & Services is a leadership position within the North America Sourcing structure, responsible for total ownership and business impact associated with Packaging and Indirect Procurement. This position will be responsible for sourcing, negotiation, and managing of Packaging materials and Indirect spend that supports Döhler’s food manufacturing operations in the North American cluster. This includes supply assurance & management, supplier relationship strategy, business partnering to influence OpEx cost management, and dedicated support to the company’s growth ambitions, while meeting functional KPIs: cost-reduction, cash flow improvement, and mitigating supply risk. Specific categories in scope for this role to be confirmed, but role will likely own: Packaging (primary and secondary), CAPEX, facility services, utilities, processing aids, freight & logistics, professional services, and IT.  

This is a high-impact & highly visible role that demands a rare blend: a strategic thinker who can design category strategies, enable innovation, and build long-term capability within the Sourcing organization. While at the same time, can execute at the operational level when needed, to drive change and deliver measurable business results. Scope will include multiple North American sites and partnering with Commercial & Functional stakeholders to accomplish business objectives. 
This role will be part of the North American Sourcing Leadership team. It is also likely to have at least 2 direct reports (Buyers) and will be the lead Sourcing business partner to key stakeholders particularly in Operations, Engineering, and Quality. 

Your Responsibilities

• Maintains overall Spend & Category ownership for Packaging and Indirect areas, to ensure adequate and timely supply of goods and services to support manufacturing and business operations. Particular focus on zero stockouts, business disruption, or customer impact.
• Develops and implements end-to-end strategic sourcing processes – including category strategies, RFx execution, supplier selection, contract negotiation, and supplier relationship management.
• Negotiates volume, price, payment terms, lead-times, and other Commercial points to ensure optimal levels of quality, service, and cost.
• Maintains the Company’s competitive advantages by negotiating contracts and service level agreements, ensuring optimal supplier performance and mitigating Risk (supply, cost, legal, compliance, IP loss, etc.)  
• Identifies, documents, and delivers year over year cost reduction by leading total cost of ownership (TCO) and value engineering initiatives, specific within Sourcing or in partnership with other functions.
• Identifies, documents and delivers opportunities to improve cash conversion: extending vendor payment terms, reducing inventory, and optimizing spend.
• Lead, develop, and inspire a team of Buyers, by fostering a culture of strategic thinking, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Head of Sourcing and Regional Senior Leadership on Packaging and Indirect trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Develops, gains alignment with key stakeholders, and executes long-term supplier, sourcing, and supply chain strategies.
• Maintains expertise on regional and global market conditions, liaising with Global Sourcing counterparts where appropriate

Travel - Less than 25%

Your Profile 

•    Effective written and verbal business communication
•    Demonstrated ability to manage a fast-paced, dynamic business environment with competing priorities & projects 
Preferred Qualifications 
•    Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Engineering, or other relevant field of study. 
•    10-15 years experience of progressive Procurement or Supply Chain experience, ideally for a food manufacturing business. 
•    Deep expertise in Packaging procurement and Indirect spend management. 
•    Demonstrated experience in negotiation, cost savings delivery, and developing + executing sourcing strategies. 
•    Experience with SAP, Aribia, or other ERP systems and procurement tools. 

We offer

• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans to support you and your family
• Paid Parental Leave –Maternity and Paternity Leave so you can focus on what matters most
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Plan for your future with company-supported retirement savings
• Paid Time Off – Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with PTO and 11 Paid Holidays
• Employee Engagement – Join our Engagement Team for fun events, volunteer opportunities, and ways to connect with colleagues across the company
• Döhler Academy: You have the opportunity to continuously develop your education further through internal and external training programs
• Supportive Culture – Friendly and informal atmosphere, family-owned private company, flat hierarchies, open communication, and helpful colleagues
• Meaningful Impact – Be an integral part of our business success and help shape the future of nutrition
• Empowerment – Unleash your full potential with opportunities to grow, lead, and make a real difference

AAP/EEO Statement 
Döhler USA, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Döhler USA, Inc. complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. 
Döhler USA, Inc. expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Döhler USA, Inc.’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge. 

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