Procurement Global Category Manager - Probiotics

About ADM Protexin Ltd
ADM Protexin LTD manufactures innovative, research based live bacteria products of the highest quality for the veterinary, human, agriculture and equine healthcare markets. With head office, manufacturing and distribution facilities based in Somerset, ADM Protexin distributes to over 90 countries worldwide.
The Role
We are seeking a strategic procurement professional to ensure supply security across all products within a defined category. In this role, you will develop and implement category procurement strategies, lead supplier negotiations, and strengthen ADM’s ability to leverage its global footprint through deep product expertise, strong supplier relationships, aligned ways of working, and a high level of market insight.
Your Responsibilities

• Act as global category expert and key contact for suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Define and implement global, regional and local category strategies.
• Lead sourcing, RFQs, bid analysis, negotiations and contract execution.
• Build strategic supplier relationships and manage qualification, performance and development.
• Monitor markets, price trends and supply risks; communicate forecasts and recommendations.
• Support innovation, material standardisation, phase-in activities and global bundling with internal functions.
• Contribute to budgets, service levels and continuous improvement initiatives.

Your Profile
Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business or a technical field such as Food Science, Biotechnology or Engineering; MBA preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in procurement and category management, preferably within probiotics, live cultures, fermentation-derived ingredients or food supplements.
• Experience in strategic sourcing, supplier selection and category strategy execution.
• Knowledge of probiotic bacteria, probiotic yeasts, spores and bacteriophages, including key technical, quality and regulatory requirements.
• Familiarity with strain identification, viability/potency, stability, contamination control, documentation and supplier qualification for live microbial products.
• Ability to assess suppliers across fermentation, stabilization, encapsulation, packaging, logistics and shelf-life management.
• Experience in supplier relationship management, supplier performance and supplier risk management.
• Contracting, negotiation and commercial analysis experience.
• MS Office and SAP experience valued.
• AI literacy and/or LLM experience preferred.
• International mindset and willingness to travel.

Skills and Abilities

• Strategic, results-driven and able to balance short- and long-term priorities.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on value creation, total cost of ownership and innovation.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with a customer-focused and collaborative approach across functions and regions.
• High integrity, accountability and ability to build trust with internal and external partners.
• Open to best practices, change and continuous improvement.
• Strong understanding of market intelligence, cost drivers and value creation across the supply chain.
• Ability to translate customer, technical and regulatory needs into sourcing decisions.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with R&D, CD&D, Regulatory, Quality, Operations and Commercial teams.
• Self-starter attitude with the ability to work independently and proactively.

Your Future Perspective

• Challenging tasks, short decision-making processes and a high level of personal responsibility in a modern work environment with flexible work time models.
• Room for innovative thinking and growth with the possibility to manage your own career path.
• A company culture which promotes continuous learning and diversity. To assist with this all colleagues can join our Women’s and Multicultural Employee Resource Groups, and the ADM Pride Employee Network and the Young Professionals Network. As well as the company wide mentorship programme as mentor or mentee.
• Excellent career opportunities in a world leading nutrition company.
• An attractive remuneration.
• ADM is a company where managers and colleagues are encouraged to discuss and enable the flexibility that is needed to meet the demands of work and life.
• ADM are an advocate of having a workforce who are aware of their mental health. In addition to our network of Mental Health First Aiders, all new starters to the business will be enrolled in ‘Mental Health Aware’ training within three months of joining the business.

About ADM
At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We’re a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world’s premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over. Learn more at www.adm.com.