Procurement Manager - Ingredients

At Zentis - We are Fruit Masters!

Zentis is Europe's number one fruit processing company and one of the leading brand manufacturers of jams, sweets, and custard-based desserts. The Company's North America operations are located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Plymouth, Indiana, where we produce fruit and dairy preparations for a variety of customers including yogurt, ice cream and bakery manufacturers. We are currently looking for a Package Engineering Manager at our Philadelphia, PA or Plymouth, IN locations. This is a hybrid position.

The Procurement Manager - Ingredients is responsible for leading the strategic sourcing and contracting of all ingredient categories to ensure the highest standards of quality and cost competitiveness. This role is key to maintaining quality, managing costs, and supporting innovation. You'll work closely with suppliers, internal teams (like regulatory, quality, R&D, and sales), and global partners to ensure strong supplier performance, supply chain continuity, and cost efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the contracting and management of all ingredients across all production facilities.
• Act as the primary point of contact and subject matter expert for both suppliers and internal stakeholders on all matters related to the assigned ingredient categories.
• Develop and maintain sustainable supplier relationships at both global and local levels to create long-term value for Zentis.
• Develop cost models for assigned product categories to support data-driven decision-making and strategic sourcing efforts. Design and implement short-, medium-, and long-term procurement strategies that align with Zentis' business goals.
• Contribute to the creation of effective negotiation strategies that deliver measurable value and secure sustainable competitive advantages. Manage the full RFQ process, including bid analysis and supplier evaluation, and take the lead in supplier negotiations to finalize and execute contracts in line with agreed terms.
• Develop and oversee initiatives aimed at reducing costs and enhancing ingredient quality across the supply base. Identify and qualify alternative raw materials to support innovation, ensure supply continuity, and drive cost efficiencies.
• Leverage procurement systems and analytical tools to track key performance indicators (KPIs), while actively contributing to budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning efforts in alignment with the company's strategic objectives.

Role Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or higher
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• 5+ years of related work experience in the food industry. Experience in sugar, sweetener, stabilizers, colors, flavors, cocoa, food chemicals preferred
• Experience in participating in international / multicultural and cross-functional teams
• High level of communication and negotiation skills
• Customer focus and "can-do" attitude
• Knowledge of MS-Office and SAP
• Self-starter and highly motivated

Role Expectations:

• Strategic Sourcing: Knowledge of strategic sourcing strategies by product.
• Advancing the Customers Relationship: Ability to facilitate and accelerate the business relationship based upon an understanding of the customer.
• Vendor Relationship: The ability to evaluate and ensure that vendor performance meets or exceeds defined performance standards.
• Contracting: Knowledge of principles involved in contract law to ensure supplier agreements are appropriately conceived and executed, eliminating potential risk of unlawful and anti-competitive activity.
• Best Practices: Knowledge of procurement, industry and business best practices to guide through leadership and ensure effective procurement strategies.
• Negotiation: Exploring alternatives and positions to reach outcomes that gain all parties' support and acceptance.
• Exhibits Entrepreneurship: Identifies business opportunities and influences them independently.
• Maintains social and ethical norms. Instills trust in one's own professionalism and integrity.
• Up to 25% travel

EOE/M/F/H/V