Job Overview:
KDP Ireland is seeking an accomplished and visionary Procurement Director to lead the strategic sourcing and category management activities for a portfolio of high-impact materials. The Procurement Category Director will drive value creation for the business through cost leadership, risk mitigation, innovation, sustainability advancements, and supplier collaboration. This role is pivotal in developing and executing multi-year category strategies aligned with business objectives while fostering a high-performing team and nurturing partnerships across the global supply chain.
This Procurement Category Director role offers an exceptional opportunity to lead high-impact initiatives, shape category strategies on a global scale, and influence the future of procurement at KDP.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
* Strategic Leadership: Serve as a senior leader and procurement subject matter expert, providing strategic oversight and direction for a portfolio of critical direct material categories.
* Category Management: Develop and execute global category strategies utilizing KDP Procurement’s strategic category management framework, ensuring alignment with corporate goals including Safety, Quality, Service, Sustainability, Cost, and Innovation.
* Stakeholder Engagement: Partner with senior executives and cross-functional leaders to influence and align on category strategies, fostering collaboration with BU Procurement and across other functions including R&D, Operations, Finance, and Marketing.
* Supplier Relationship Management: Build and manage strategic, long-term partnerships with key suppliers to drive mutual innovation, performance, and sustainability goals. Lead supplier performance reviews and risk management initiatives to ensure delivery of business-critical objectives.
* Financial & Performance Management: Own category-level budgets and forecasts. Deliver measurable financial value through cost savings, value optimization, and mitigation of supply chain risks.
* Procurement Operations: Oversee the execution of complex sourcing initiatives, including RFP/RFQ/RFI processes, e-auctions, and advanced negotiations using digital tools like SAP Ariba. Ensure robust contract management and governance.
* Market Intelligence: Stay ahead of market trends, supply chain risks, and opportunities within the categories. Leverage insights to proactively adjust strategies and deliver competitive advantages.
* Team Leadership: Mentor, coach, and inspire a team of procurement professionals, fostering a culture of high performance, collaboration, continuous improvement, and engagement. Drive skill development and career growth opportunities for the team.
* Compliance & Governance: Ensure all procurement activities adhere to internal policies, corporate governance frameworks, and external regulatory requirements.
Requirements:
* Education:
o Master’s Degree from an accredited university; a field of study in Supply Chain, Finance, Business, Engineering, or a related area is preferred.
o Professional qualifications strongly preferred.
* Experience:
o Minimum 8–10 years of progressive procurement and category management experience within complex, multinational organizations.
o Proven track record of driving value creation through strategic sourcing, supplier innovation, and sustainability initiatives.
o Experience in the CPG, manufacturing, or food/beverage industry is highly desirable.
* Leadership & Influence:
o Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence senior stakeholders in a matrix environment.
o Experience managing and developing high-performing teams.
* Technical Expertise:
o Strong financial acumen with expertise in category-level budgeting, cost analysis, and forecasting.
o Advanced knowledge of procurement tools and ERP systems, particularly SAP Ariba, with proficiency in MS Office applications.
* Core Competencies:
o Strategic mindset with the ability to translate business objectives into actionable procurement strategies.
o Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, capable of building trust and credibility with internal and external stakeholders.
o Strong project management skills, capable of managing multiple priorities and delivering results in a fast-paced environment.
o Passion for sustainability and innovation, with a commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Company Overview:
At KDP Ireland, you will find that:
* We aspire to have the top talent within the industry and are committed to maintaining an extraordinarily brilliant, remarkably diverse, and decidedly engaged team.
* We invest in the development and growth of our employees and promote continuous learning to enable progressive career tracks.
* We offer a competitive salary and bonus structure, and excellent employee benefits including private medical care, pension contributions, and holiday entitlements.
* We provide Global exposure – As a multi-national CPG with HQ offices in the USA and peers operating in five countries, there are opportunities travel to different countries and share international perspectives and experiences.
* We have an active interest in the community - We run events throughout the year to support local charities, people & communities.
KDP Ireland is an equal opportunity employer and affirmatively seeks diversity in its workforce. KDP Ireland recruits qualified applicants and advances in employment its employees without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, ethnic or national origin, marital status, or any other status protected by law.
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