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Department: Indirect Procurement

Location: Milan, Italy

Procurement Category Manager

This position will be responsible for leading some areas of M&S procurement category (Marketing and Sales) within own Cluster. The Category Manager will have the entire responsibility to develop a detailed procurement strategy with support from Cluster Category Manager and generate substantial benefit/added value for all categories under his responsibility.

Position includes:

• Elaboration of procurement strategy to be aligned with all categories functional heads. Strategy will include a detailed action plan supported by financial analysis

• Maintain and update the Category Management Strategy and pay particular attention to internal and external factors (Opportunities and risks)

• Involvement in all strategic discussions with the management of all categories supported. Actively contribute and propose initiative in line with business objectives

• Proactive and innovative approach/action to support company growth

• High level of expertise in all supported categories

• Execution of supplier bidding and negotiation process in close cooperation with departments, to ensure the most competitive value in terms of quality, price, service and lead-time ratio for the Company

• Management of the existing supplier base in his/her respective area including vendor assessment and evaluation

• Resolution of issues related to vendor performance, undelivered/damaged materials and services

Responsibilites:

Category Management

• Identify the category strategy and detailed action plan/program to be addressed

• Establish and lead cross-functional project teams to manage the development and implementation of the procurement category strategy and agree the strategy with the Cluster Category Manager and internal customer departments

• Deliver the procurement category strategy including sourcing activities which generate benefits and achieve financial savings targets through insight and analysis of category and sub categories areas, including:

  • Analysis of procurement spend and supply base to establish suppliers per procurement category and sub category
  • Analysis of supply markets to identify potential suppliers and market trends
  • Identification of internal and external cost drivers in the categories
  • Development of savings opportunities and benchmarking of industry standards and practices to identify quick win opportunities
  • Preparation of pre tender and tender documents in conjunction with key user departments

Procurement

Take part in and/or lead negotiations and competitive bidding/tender processes with potential suppliers in close cooperation with relevant departments to ensure optimal value in terms of quality, price, service, and lead time. Ensure all tender documentation is professionally maintained. Support managers in commercially managing suppliers and lead operational procurement activities within M&S areas. Provide support to other categories as required.

Vendor Management

Manage the existing supplier base within assigned categories and maintain effective communication with vendors. Collect and analyze supplier performance data and share insights with internal stakeholders and suppliers to continuously improve relationships and performance. Develop supplier relationships using best-in-class procurement tools (e.g., cost trend analysis, price change analysis, supplier performance reviews) to drive improvements in cost, service, and quality.

Contractual Management

Support the establishment, maintenance, and termination of supplier contracts where applicable. Ensure procurement is responsible for the commercial elements of contracts in coordination with the Legal department.

Compliance

Ensure all P2P controls, policies, and procedures are understood and implemented by local procurement teams across the cluster. Develop and execute internal procurement assessment plans, review outcomes, and implement corrective actions at both local and individual procurement levels when required.

KPI Management

Ensure all KPI targets for assigned categories are achieved or exceeded. Conduct in-depth analysis of key performance indicators and implement corrective actions where needed to improve performance

Who we are looking for :

• University degree (Finance, Business, Engineering) and Masters (MBA/MSC)

• At least 5 years managerial role in Procurement / Manufacturing Services / Finance preferably in a multinational company operating in FMCG industry. Recognized strong people management skills & experience (considering experience in managing remote teams as an asset), mixed environment experience factory-market. International and local project experience is an asset

• English (business language) , Italian language strongly recommended

• Have full understanding of Procure to Pay (P2P) processes including spend analysis and contract/supplier management. Proven expertise in leading effective negotiations is required together with:

  • Strong proven ability to build and maintain sustainable partnership with internal stakeholders
  • Proven leadership skills and people/process/change management
  • Financial planning and budgeting
  • Effective communication
  • Resilience
  • Broad knowledge in business information systems and strong computer skills. (SAP a strong asset)

For the position you are currently applying for, the established hiring range is:

Annual Base Salary: Eur 42600 – 58400 gross/year

Please note that the final offer is determined by objective criteria, including your specific professional experience, technical expertise and the complexity of the responsibilities associated with the role level.

Are you ready to join us? Build your success story at JTI. Apply now!

Next Steps:

After applying, if selected, please anticipate the following within 1-3 weeks of the job posting closure: Phone screening with Talent Advisor > Assessment tests > Interviews > Offer. Each step is eliminatory and may vary by role type.

At JTI, we strive to create a diverse and inclusive work environment. As an equal-opportunity employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If you need any specific support, alternative formats, or have other access requirements, please let us know.