Regional Category Manager - Packaging

OVERVIEW

Perfetti Van Melle (makers of Mentos, Airheads, Dentyne, Trident and Bubblicious!) is one of the world's largest manufacturers and distributors of confectionery and chewing gum with global brands that are being enjoyed in more than 150 countries worldwide. We’re currently seeking a passionate and enthusiastic Regional Category Manager to join our growing team.

The Regional Category Manager supports category management for direct material spend within a region, maximizing cost savings and procurement value. They provide market expertise, assist Regional Procurement Directors and Global Category Managers, analyze market trends, drive Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) execution, and ensure sustainability goals are met. Additionally, they support stakeholder management, digital enablement projects, and collaborate on budget and reporting accuracy.

Acting as the link between the Regional Procurement Director and Local Buyers, they manage supplier performance issues for global spend categories requiring regional input. Their role ensures seamless procurement execution, effective supplier relationships, and alignment with strategic initiatives.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Collaborates with Regional Procurement Directors and Global Category Managers to implement strategic sourcing activities.
• Engages in RFI/RFP development, supplier identification and evaluation, negotiation, and contract management.
• Monitors regional market conditions, supplier trends, and key factors.
• Assists in developing category strategies by analyzing cost drivers, supplier profiles, and market benchmarks.
• Oversees supplier performance, leads review meetings, and utilizes KPIs to drive performance.
• Handles contract amendments related to pricing, materials, and design.
• Implements regional sustainability initiatives and aligns local stakeholders with sustainability goals.
• Provides sustainability training for local buyers and drives related initiatives.
• Supports the digitalization of procurement processes, drives adoption, and provides feedback for improvements.
• Ensures accurate and timely budget reporting, working with the Procurement Controller and GPS teams.
• Collaborates with local buyers to identify and implement efficiency improvements in procurement operations
•  

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably with a procurement specialization.
• A recognized procurement qualification is highly advantageous.
• Minimum 8 years of strategic procurement experience in a global/regional role.
• Strong background in packaging spend categories within an international environment.
• Full business proficiency in English; Spanish/Portuguese is a plus.
• Expertise in project management.
• Proficiency in Excel, data analysis, and reporting.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Market intelligence and analysis expertise.
• Experience in sustainable sourcing.
• Ability to develop strategic business cases.
• Strong presentation and communication skills for senior stakeholders.
• Situational Adaptability: Adjusts approach based on changing circumstances.
• Manages Complexity: Analyzes complex data to solve problems effectively.
• Courage: Addresses challenges and communicates openly.
• Building Effective Teams: Fosters collaboration and diverse perspectives.
• Cultivates Innovation: Develops new strategies for business success.
• Strategic Mindset: Anticipates future trends and translates them into actions.
• Drives Results: Delivers consistent outcomes in demanding situations.
• Plans & Aligns: Prioritizes work to meet organizational objectives.
• Strong influencing and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in an ambiguous environment.