Raw Materials Procurement Specialist - North America

Raw Materials Procurement Sr. Buyer - North America About the Role: We have a current opening for a Raw Materials Procurement Sr. Buyer – North America and are actively reviewing applications. As the Raw Materials Procurement Sr. Buyer – North America , you will lead sourcing and procurement activities for assigned raw material categories, ensuring continuity of supply while driving value through strategic sourcing, supplier management, cost optimization, quality performance, and risk mitigation. In this role, you will collaborate closely with global procurement teams, suppliers, manufacturing operations, quality, finance, and other cross‑functional stakeholders to execute procurement strategies that align with Ferrero's global sourcing objectives while supporting North American business needs. This position is hybrid, and will be based in our commercial offices in Chicago, IL. Main Responsibilities: Category & Procurement Management Manage assigned raw material categories across North America, ensuring continuity of supply, quality standards, competitive pricing, and reliable delivery performance. Execute and implement global raw material procurement strategies while adapting to regional market requirements and business objectives. Support the development and execution of category strategies that drive cost savings, supply security, and operational efficiency. Manage procurement budgets, cost forecasts, and savings initiatives for assigned categories. Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management Lead sourcing projects and supplier selection activities, including Requests for Information (RFI), Requests for Quotation (RFQ), supplier evaluations, and commercial negotiations. Build and maintain strong relationships with strategic suppliers to support long‑term business objectives and continuous improvement initiatives. Monitor supplier performance through key metrics related to quality, service, cost, innovation, and delivery. Partner with suppliers to identify opportunities for value creation, process improvements, and cost optimization. Conduct market and commodity analysis to monitor industry trends, pricing movements, and supply market dynamics. Identify and proactively manage supply, pricing, and market risks through effective risk mitigation strategies. Develop contingency plans to minimize potential supply disruptions and maintain business continuity. Cross‑Functional Collaboration Collaborate effectively within a global matrix organization, partnering with Procurement, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality, Finance, and other key stakeholders. Influence and align local and global stakeholders to support strategic procurement initiatives and business priorities. Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, governance standards, and procurement best practices. Systems & Reporting Leverage SAP and other procurement systems to support purchasing activities, reporting, supplier management, and category performance tracking. Utilize data and analytics tools to support decision‑making and identify opportunities for continuous improvement. About You: Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, Finance, Engineering, or a related field. 2–5 years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, category management, or purchasing. Experience working within a matrix or global organization. Knowledge of raw material markets and sourcing best practices. Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills. Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to influence cross‑functional teams and drive results. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint. Experience working with SAP or similar ERP systems. Preferred Qualifications Experience sourcing raw materials within the food, consumer packaged goods (CPG), manufacturing, agricultural, chemical, or related industries. Experience conducting supplier negotiations and managing commercial agreements. Knowledge of commodity markets, procurement risk management, and supplier performance management. Artificial Intelligence Disclosure As part of our recruitment process, Ferrero may use artificial intelligence (AI) enabled tools to assist with reviewing candidate applications. These tools are used solely to support recruiters by summarizing application information and identifying potential alignment with job requirements. AI does not independently screen out or select candidates, and it does not replace human judgment. Final decisions regarding candidate progression are always made by Ferrero recruiters and hiring managers. What We Offer: Careers with caring built in - discover our benefits here. The base salary range for this position is $96,708.00 - $128,944.00 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job‑related factors permitted by law. This range represents the anticipated salary for this position at this time. In addition to base salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other benefits. About Ferrero: Ferrero began its journey in the small town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946. Today, it is one of the world’s largest sweet‑packaged food companies, with many iconic brands sold in countries all over the world. Find out more ferrero.com. DE&I at Ferrero: Ferrero is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe all our people are equally talented in their own way. In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at Ferrero. The diversity of our talents is what makes our work environment multicultural, innovative, and highly rewarding. Ferrero is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable human rights laws. Ferrero will recruit, hire, train, and promote all persons without regard to race, creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity), religion, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, or history of disability (except where physical or mental abilities are a bona fide occupational requirement and the individual is not able to perform the essential functions of the position even with reasonable accommodations), citizenship, or any other protected characteristic. Ferrero will accommodate the needs of applicants with disabilities throughout all stages of the selection process. If you need accommodation during the recruitment process, please advise the People & Organization (HR) Representative. Information relating to the need for accommodation and accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially. #J-18808-Ljbffr Ferrero International S.A.