Global Procurement Category Manager - Fruits

The Procurement Category Manager for Greenyard Frozen Division is responsible for managing the end-to-end procurement, and supplier relationship management processes within the frozen food categories. The role supports the Procurement Director in achieving cost efficiency, ensuring quality and food safety, driving sustainability journey with our suppliers, and enhancing supply chain resilience across the procured category. The ideal candidate will have a strategic and value-driven approach, a strong focus on supplier quality, compliance and sustainability, and the ability to adapt to the unique demands of the frozen food market.

The Procurement Category Manager will be part of the Greenyard Frozen divisional team and report directly to the Division Procurement Director.

Category Strategy Development

• Participate and implement category-specific sourcing strategies aligned with Greenyard Fozen Division objectives in cost management, quality assurance, sustainability and supply chain reliability.
• Conduct market analysis to understand pricing trends, supplier landscapes, and seasonal variability, ensuring category strategy aligns with market conditions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Quality Assurance, Supply Chain, and Sales, to align procurement strategies with business needs.

Supplier Selection and Relationship Management

• Identify, assess, and qualify suppliers, ensuring alignment with quality, food safety, and sustainability standards in collaboration with QA team.
• Manage relationships with key suppliers, negotiating favorable terms, pricing agreements, and ensuring long-term partnership value.
• Conduct regular supplier performance reviews, focusing on quality, reliability, and compliance, and implement corrective actions when necessary.

Contract and Risk Management

• Negotiate and manage supplier contracts, ensuring favorable terms, service level agreements, and compliance with Greenyard’s food safety and quality standards.
• Work with suppliers to develop risk mitigation strategies, particularly for seasonal, climate, or market-related disruptions in the frozen fruits and vegetables supply chain.
• Develop contingency plans and maintain flexibility in supply arrangements to adapt to demand fluctuations and unforeseen challenges.

Cost Management and Value Optimization

• Drive cost-saving initiatives through strategic sourcing, volume leveraging, and supplier development.
• Regularly benchmark costs and identify opportunities for cost reduction without compromising quality or service levels.
• Collaborate with finance to track budget adherence and support accurate forecasting and demand planning for the category.

Quality and Food Safety Compliance

• Partner with Quality Assurance to ensure suppliers meet all food safety, quality certifications (e.g., HACCP, BRC), and undergo regular audits.
• Implement and monitor quality control measures, working closely with suppliers to resolve quality issues and improve standards where needed.
• Track and report on supplier performance metrics to ensure continuous improvement.

Data-Driven Decision Making and Reporting

• Utilize data analytics tools to track supplier performance, analyze spend data, and forecast demand.
• Provide regular reports and insights on category performance, supplier trends, and potential risks to the Procurement Director.
• Use data to identify improvement areas in procurement processes and supply chain efficiency.

Sustainability and Social Compliance

• Ensure that suppliers practices align with Greenyard ‘s sustainability and social compliance objectives.
• Engage with suppliers to improve sustainable practices and promote transparency across the supply chain.

Requested Profile

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in direct sourcing of raw materials in food industry or retail, including significant experience in the direct sourcing of fruits is required.
• A Master’s degree. Procurement certification is a plus.
• Proficiency in category management, supplier management, data analytics tools and ERP systems (SAP).
• Value-creation oriented, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions and develop cost-effective solutions.
• Understanding of food safety standards and risk mitigation plan.

• Strong presentation and communication skills for effective supplier management and cross-functional collaboration.

• Resilience and Flexibility - Comfortable with the dynamic and seasonal nature of the raw material supply chain and capable of managing change effectively.
• Adaptability - Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, with a proactive approach to resolving issues and driving improvements.

• Frequent travels are required.
• Fluent in English – French is a plus

Why join Greenyard?

At Greenyard, you won't just manage suppliers.

You will help shape the future of our global fruit sourcing strategy.

This role offers a unique combination of category ownership, international exposure, strategic decision-making and long-term impact. You will work directly with suppliers around the world, collaborate with senior stakeholders across the business and play a key role in securing sustainable growth for one of the world's leading food companies.

If you are looking for a role where you can truly influence a category, build lasting partnerships and make a global impact, we would love to meet you.