Senior Category Activation Manager (Senior Sourcing Manager), Dairy Ingredients

The Senior Dairy Ingredient Buyer is responsible for defining and implementing the Global and NORAM sourcing strategy for Dairy Ingredients. This role involves developing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, managing procurement processes, sourcing, procuring, and ensuring the quality and cost-effectiveness of ingredients.

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the dairy market, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to develop and implement strategic sourcing initiatives. The Senior Dairy ingredient buyer leads strategic planning and portfolio ($50M euros spend) management initiatives ensuring alignment with Global & NORAM (US, CA, MX) business objectives. The Senior Dairy Ingredient buyer will report directly to the Global Category Sourcing manager.

25% Domestic and/or International Travel Expected

Business Strategy:

• Develop and implement long-term strategic plans for the Dairy ingredients category.
• Identify opportunities for productivity, portfolio diversification, business continuity and innovation.
• Communicate & align priorities with the NORAM & Global leadership.
• Utilize market insights to inform portfolio decisions. Develop a thorough understanding of costs structure and market trends.
• Support the overall milk supply strategy as an active participant on the internal Milk sourcing team.
• Lead the sourcing process: G0-to-market, supplier & legal agreements execution.
• Contribute to the Milk Valorization Strategy and objectives, focusing on external sales and NORAM/global powder needs.

Finance:

• Manage budgets, forecasts financial performance, and make data-driven decisions to optimize profitability.
• Prepare, consolidate, and communicate annual operating plans and rolling forecasts.
• Track and monitor material variance and market change, cost savings and any other price variance elements

Risk Management:

• Analyze market dynamics and trends (Macro & Category level)

• Map potential risks, financial impact & communicate to stakeholders.

Leadership:

• Interact with the Category sourcing team/directors, regional and Global buyers as well as with the business stakeholders D2D R&I (advanced ingredients, science, technology), quality, operations, finance, legal, compliance, EU Business Partners Operational Procurement / Center of Excellence (CoE) et al.
• Interact with suppliers, farmers, Dairy Boards and Trade/Government bodies.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders to gain buy-in, solicit feedback, and address concerns (Sr leaders, suppliers, industry partners).
• Map current & potential suppliers across business units. Maintain meaningful relationships to build win-win strategies (Supplier Relations Management).

Managerial Competencies and Personal Skills/Attributes required:

• Leadership: Ability to provide direction & guidance, lead, influence and collaborate with multiple stakeholders and suppliers. Presence to engage and communicate effectively with Danone Senior management.
• Strategic thinking: In-depth experience in strategic sourcing. Knowledge and experience of world-class category management and sourcing practices.
• Decision making: Evaluate risks and opportunities to maximize outcomes and act decisively in complex environment.
• Communication skills and stakeholder engagement: Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex ideas and concepts to diverse audiences. (X-functional, PMO teams, factories, NORAM and Global Sr Leaders, external partners)
• Global mindset: Experience in managing categories across multiple geographies and cultures.
• Convey ideas and information clearly. Promotes a positive work environment.
• Strong business acumen & negotiation skills
• Proactive & action-oriented with proven track record of consistent result delivery
• Adaptability, Creativity, and resilience

The base compensation range for this position is $109,000-164,000 commensurate with experience. Danone North America additionally offers a performance-based bonus and has a strong benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401k Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Time Off, and Paid Parental Bonding Leave, among other benefit plan options. To give our employees flexibility, Danone is a hybrid work environment.

Professional Experience/Education required:

• Minimum BS in related field (Business, Food Science, Procurement etc..)
• Minimum 7 years work experience in CPG company or related dairy experience (procurement preferred)
• Microsoft Office proficiency
• Strong background in the dairy industry and supply chain management
• Experience in developing and implementing strategic plans.
• Ability to manage a portfolio of projects and ingredients, prioritizing based on strategic objectives and resource constraints.
• Ability to work cross-functionally, to navigate ambiguous environment and to build an efficient network between regions and suppliers.

Key elements that could motivate a candidate.

• Competitive salary and benefits packages
• Opportunity for professional development and advancement within the organization
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment
• Change to make a significant impact on the Dairy Industry and Danone (NORAM & Global)

• Strong connection to the purpose Danone North America & Danone Global

At Danone North America, you’ll work with some of the best-known food and beverage brands in the world like Activia, Silk, Two Good, Oikos, evian, and Happy Family. You’ll be part of one of the largest Certified B Corps™ in the world, working together to make sure our brands create real benefits for people, communities, and the planet. We have 6,000+ employees across the U.S. and Canada. Come join our movement for a healthier world: One Planet. One Health BY YOU.

Danone North America doesn’t just welcome what makes you unique, we value it. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All hires to our team are based on qualifications, merit and business needs. We recruit, employ, train and promote regardless of race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, genetic characteristic or any other protected status. Faithful to our values of openness and humanism, all of our employees share in the commitment to engage one another with dignity and respect. http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/OFCCP_EEO_Supplement_Final_JRF_QA_508c.pdf

#LI-NORAM