ABOUT DEPARTER - THE KNOW-WHO PEOPLE
Departer is a leading German Executive Search firm with over 20 years of experience in global leadership recruitment. We specialize in placing executives in medium-sized enterprises and private equity portfolio firms across DACH, MEAI, ASIA, and ANZ regions. With a deep understanding of the DACH economy, we facilitate successful placements within global management teams across corporate headquarters and entities abroad.
For our world-leading client, an international producer of packaging solutions, we are seeking a Procurement Manager. Our client is a global market leader in its segment and continually develops new product innovations. As an employer, our client values diversity, driving innovation and change, global connectivity, with a unique team spirit and culture. As a Procurement Manager, you will be responsible for developing and executing the sourcing strategy and implementing procurement initiatives for colors and additives. You will report directly to the Cluster Procurement Director. This role is pivotal in driving cost efficiency, market analysis, supplier innovation, and sustainable procurement practices. This is a highly strategic role that combines category expertise with operational execution to deliver measurable value across the supply chain. The Procuremet Manager will collaborate with regional stakeholders, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to achieve optimal outcomes aligned with the global procurement organization’s goals. Primary regions in scope will be Asia Pacific, CIS, India, Africa, Middle East and Turkey.
Your duties and responsibilities will include:
- Identify, develop, and implement sourcing strategies for colors and additives in Asia and Africa, aligning with global procurement goals
- Conduct market analysis to uncover trends, opportunities, and risks in the supply chain
- Collaborate with procurement teams across countries, regions, and globally to align initiatives and leverage synergies
- Lead supplier identification, evaluation, and selection for strategic sourcing of colors and additives
- Negotiate and manage supplier contracts, ensuring favorable terms and policy compliance
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to foster innovation, sustainability, and performance
- Conduct regular performance reviews with suppliers and identify improvement opportunities
- Drive cost-saving initiatives while maintaining quality and performance standards
- Monitor and analyze category spend, reporting insights to the Cluster Procurement Director
- Identify value-adding opportunities through alternative materials or technologies
- Ensure uninterrupted supply of critical materials to meet production and business needs
- Proactively manage risks related to supply continuity, regulations, and market changes
- Work with logistics and supply chain teams to optimize inventory and delivery
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including sales, operations, finance, and logistics, for strategic alignment
- Serve as a category expert, offering insights and advice to internal teams
- Support sustainability efforts by integrating ESG principles into procurement practices
To be successful in this role, you should have the following skills and experiences:
- Bachelor's in supply chain, business, engineering, MBA or equivalent preferred
- At least 10 years in procurement/category management, ideally in packaging, chemicals, or manufacturing
- Successful track record managing categories in multinational settings
- Deep knowledge of packaging materials, suppliers, and market indexes
- Strong data analysis skills for trends, performance, and cost drivers; experienced with global market indexes (e.g., EUWID)
- Hands-on approach, effective in environments with limited data systems
- Excellent negotiation and contract management skills focused on value and risk mitigation
- Skilled in developing long-term, business-aligned category strategies
- Strong communication and presentation skills with stakeholders at all levels
- Proficient in procurement systems (Microsoft D365, Coupa) and data visualization tools
- Willingness to travel