Category Manager Capex/MRO
Location:
Zurich, CH, 8005
At Barry Callebaut, we are on a journey to transform the cocoa and chocolate industry. As the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, our actions truly shape the future of our industry. We are a business-to-business company, serving the entire food sector, from the cocoa bean to the finest chocolate product. We are a company with a purpose, we believe in doing well by doing good and reinvesting in the communities we operate. We have a long-standing commitment to sustainability and our goal is to shape a sustainable cocoa and chocolate future. We are headquartered in Zurich, and have more than 12,000 passionate Employees working in more than 40 countries worldwide. We are very proud of who we are and what we do. And of course, we are always looking for talented people to help us have a positive impact on our industry and beyond!
About the role
The Global Category Manager Capex & MRO(“Maintenance, Repair and Operations”) will be a key driver in optimizing the company's spend. This role will spearhead the development and execution of strategic sourcing initiatives for critical categories such as processing equipment, MRO and related services, as well as being active in tactical CAPEX sourcing. By collaborating with corporate & regional Engineering/Maintenance teams and global Project Managers, the successful candidate will ensure alignment of sourcing strategies with operational needs and project timelines. Furthermore, this role will be pivotal in establishing long-term contracts that enhance operational efficiency, mitigate supply risks, and deliver significant cost savings, while also managing tactical buying activities for Capex to meet immediate business demands.
Key responsibilities include
●Leading the development and implementation of global category strategies for assigned categories within Capex & MRO (“Maintenance, Repair and Operations”)
●Identifying and realizing cost savings and value creation opportunities through strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management and innovation.
●Driving supplier performance and contract compliance
●Managing complex negotiations and high-value contracts
●Forge contractual programs with suppliers, focusing on the goal of reducing the total cost of ownership achieved through a long-term oriented supply base
●Collaborate closely with engineering teams to optimize equipment specifications which maximize processing output
●Mentor internal customers on the application of contracted programs
●Manage medium to complex projects as assigned (projects with various significant investment amounts)
●Implement standardized sourcing processes, create regional/global supply agreements, and provide budgetary support for capital equipment
●Support and advise all BC facilities within the region with the ongoing CapEx project purchases (RFx, Analysis, Negotiation & Award processes)
●Evaluate an encompassing program with integrated suppliers of the assigned categories
●Candidate has ownership of the commercial terms and conditions covering the negotiated deals
●Backfill Head of Capex & MRO Sourcing Category when required
About you
●A minimum Bachelor degree in Business or Engineering
●Similar global sourcing experience of minimum 10+ years with centralized sourcing of technical goods (processing Equipments and Maintenance, Repair and Operations)
●A technical knowledge and functional understanding of food processing equipment is a plus.
●Senior Project Management experience preferably in a multi-plant or international environment is mandatory
●A proven background in RFI (“Request For Information”) / RFP (“Request For Price” as well as “Request for Quotation”) procedures for capital equipment sourcing and MRO field is mandatory
●An understanding of capital equipment projects and being able to support initiatives with TCO (“Total Cost Of Ownership”) analysis
●Exhibit strong negotiation skills, a hands-on attitude, and self-motivation.
●Ability to manage multiple projects with short deadlines across various plants simultaneously with attention to detail and accuracy.
●Prior procurement experience in the food processing, pharmaceutical, or chemical industries is essential
●Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
●English fluent, French language is a plus
●Travel requirements: 10% of time (required on adhoc basis)