Category Manager, Hydrocolloids

This dynamic position is responsible for sourcing and managing the hydrocolloid portfolio, developing and executing innovative strategies to ensure cost competitiveness, sustainable supply, and value creation. You will collaborate with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders to develop market intelligence, drive opportunities, and manage risks.

Core Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain a sustainable, cost-competitive supply chain for the hydrocolloid portfolio that meets the company's demand requirements.
• Create and implement category strategies aligned with business growth objectives.
• Lead pricing negotiations to ensure alignment with strategic goals, delivering value and competitiveness.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to qualify suppliers and source ingredients that meet quality, regulatory, and performance criteria.
• Ensure compliance with the company's Code of Conduct and Business Ethics Policies among suppliers and local partners.
• Manage local consultants to execute procurement activities and achieve targets.
• Optimize costs through data analysis to identify cost/value opportunities and develop industry intelligence and benchmarks.
• Track and manage project value to increase revenue, margin, and savings.
• Work with Finance, Business, and Supply Chain teams to meet working capital targets.
• Foster effective collaboration and teamwork between Procurement and other stakeholders.
• Implement effective controls for trade and audit compliance.
• Collaborate with Quality and Research & Development teams for product matching and verification.
• Understand lead times and capabilities of suppliers to assist in planning and forecasting.
• Engage with international suppliers and partners, expanding your global network and expertise.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement, supply chain management, or strategic sourcing, with a proven track record of delivering results in a global environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Expertise in ingredients value and cost proposition, with experience in managing strategic supplier relationships.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, including the ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects.
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder communication skills.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and project management skills; proficiency in procurement software (e.g., SAP) and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Fluency in English; proficiency in French or Arabic is a plus.
• Ability to travel internationally as required.

Desired Skills and Behaviors:

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in a global, matrixed organization.
• Open mindset for collaboration with global purchasing colleagues to identify global opportunities and risks.
• Analytical skills to analyze market data, pricing data, and supplier performance metrics.
• Strong negotiation skills to secure the best prices and terms from suppliers.
• Effective supplier relationship management to ensure a reliable and high-quality supply base.
• Strategic thinking to align procurement activities with broader business goals.
• Ability to stay updated with industry trends and evolving procurement technologies.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. Ingredion seeks to provide a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. We will not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, handicap or disability—mental or physical—marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability resulting from military service, or any other classification protected by law. We are committed to establishing and maintaining a work environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Ingredion provides accommodations to job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, we will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant's accommodation needs.

Relocation Available: Yes, Within Country

Pay Range: $115,300.00-$153,766.67 Annual

This pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Final base salary will be determined based on several factors which may include but are not limited to responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data and applicable bargaining agreement (if any).

Incentive Compensation: As a part of the total compensation package, this role may be eligible for the Ingredion Annual Incentive Plan or a role-specific commission/bonus.

Benefits: Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental and vision coverage as well as a 401(k) plan with a competitive company match.