Category Manager Grains & Sweeteners

Location: Punto Polanco, Polanco & Azcapotzalco, Mexico; hybrid role

Company

Global organization delivering flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, and health and biosciences solutions, with a focus on sustainable innovation.

What you will do

• Develop and execute regional category strategies for grains, starches and derivatives, soy, sweeteners, and other strategic raw materials across the North America market.
• Ensure supply continuity, cost competitiveness, sustainable sourcing, and measurable business value.
• Apply strategic sourcing methodology through spend analysis, market intelligence, supplier assessment, portfolio diversification, commodity market analyses, should-cost models, cost breakdowns, and pricing strategies.
• Build strategic supplier relationships, lead supplier business reviews and executive escalations, and drive collaboration, innovation, and technology-enabled solutions.
• Partner with Operations, Quality, Planning, Manufacturing Technology, Research & Development, Finance, Legal, and Supply Chain to resolve critical supply challenges and implement contingency plans.
• Own category contributions to budgets, forecasts, productivity plans, and savings pipelines, while supporting team development, succession planning, and cross-category initiatives.

Requirements

• 7+ years of procurement experience managing high-value direct materials and developing sourcing strategies, and 7+ years of supply chain experience involving raw materials, supplier management, and procurement best practices.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Economics, Supply Chain, Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and cost management principles.
• Experience in supplier relationship management, strategic sourcing, and contract negotiations.
• Strong project management skills, including leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing stakeholders at multiple organizational levels.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, including presenting recommendations and business cases to senior leadership.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, including SAP and Oracle.
• Ability to analyze commodity markets, pricing trends, freight economics, and other supply-side factors.
• CV must be submitted in English.

Nice to have

• CPSM, SPSM, or equivalent procurement or supply chain certification.
• Knowledge of specialty grains and sweeteners markets, including supplier landscape and market dynamics.
• Experience driving sustainability initiatives, supplier innovation programs, or category transformation projects on a regional or global scale.

Culture & Benefits

• Opportunity to influence sourcing strategies for critical global categories with significant business impact.
• High visibility with senior business and procurement leadership.
• Exposure to global teams, suppliers, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Participation in initiatives supporting innovation, sustainability, and business growth.
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities.
• Inclusive, collaborative workplace where diverse perspectives are valued.