Position Summary:
The Manager Procurement is responsible for leading the sourcing, procurement, and vendor management activities for Chiquita's Operations and Marketing functions in Europe. The role develops and executes procurement strategies to ensure the cost-effective, sustainable, and reliable supply of materials, products, and services supporting distribution centers, ripening centers, and marketing initiatives. Reporting to the Director Supply Chain, the position works independently and partners with stakeholders across Operations, Marketing, Quality, and Finance to drive value, manage supplier relationships, and support business objectives.
Tasks and responsibilities:
- Develop and implement procurement strategies for operational and marketing categories.
- Source, evaluate, and negotiate with suppliers to secure optimal pricing, quality, service, and supply continuity.
- Lead contract negotiations and manage supplier relationships to maximize value and mitigate risk.
- Procure materials and services supporting distribution centers, ripening centers, and other operational functions.
- Lead sourcing and negotiations for marketing and promotional materials, including point-of-sale displays, campaigns, merchandise, and related logistics services.
- Conduct market and commodity analyses to identify cost-saving opportunities and support purchasing decisions.
- Manage inventory-related procurement activities and support initiatives to improve inventory turns and optimize working capital.
- Monitor procurement performance, forecast requirements, and prepare reports and recommendations for management.
- Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, contractual obligations, and applicable regulations.
- Support and maintain procurement, inventory, and planning systems to ensure data accuracy and operational effectiveness.
Qualifications and requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
- Minimum of five years of procurement, sourcing, supply chain, or related experience.
- Proven experience negotiating supplier agreements and managing vendor relationships.
- Strong knowledge of purchasing, contract management, inventory principles, and strategic sourcing.
- Experience supporting operational environments, preferably distribution, warehousing, manufacturing, or supply chain operations.
- Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a global environment.
- Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel. Oracle experience will be considered an advantage.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
What We Offer:
- Competitive compensation and benefits package
- Opportunity to work in a dynamic, international environment within the food supply chain
- A collaborative team culture committed to quality, sustainability, and growth
- Exposure to global markets and international trade processes
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