Sr. Buyer, EMI - Meat & Cheese

The Sr. Buyer, External Manufacturing Procurement is responsible for the Meat and Cheese core external manufacturing portfolio, supporting sourcing execution, supplier management, and operational follow-through. Reporting to the Group Lead, External Manufacturing Procurement, this role is responsible for delivering reliable execution, collaborating cross-functionally, and strengthening day-to-day sourcing and supplier management within their area while contributing to broader category and business priorities.

This role is expected to improve how work gets done within that space through strong ownership, coordination, and judgment. The role is focused on independent execution and strategy, process improvement and driving portfolio performance across productivity, risk, and value while shaping the longer-term category strategy.

Job Description

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Own a defined set of external manufacturing sourcing, supplier management, or portfolio support activities within an assigned area

• Manage day-to-day work independently within established priorities, processes, and procurement policies

• Support sourcing execution within Meat and Cheese external manufacturing, including supplier identification, bid support, negotiations, contracting coordination, implementation, and performance monitoring

• Manage ongoing supplier interactions and follow-up within assigned scope, including issue resolution, service support, escalation tracking, and performance management activities

• Deliver against defined productivity, inflation management, cash, service, and supply continuity priorities within area of responsibility

• Build practical understanding of supplier capabilities, category dynamics, stakeholder needs, and business priorities to support stronger execution and recommendations

• Coordinate with cross-functional partners including Operations, Finance, Quality, R&D, Legal, and Supply Chain to move work forward and resolve issues within scope

• Champion the total cost of assigned category by identifying and implementing novel and creative means for reducing costs, improving quality, or otherwise improving total cost of ownership.

• Proactively manage supply chain risk and ensure resiliency through adequate capacity management. Develop risk mitigation strategies to meet business needs by identifying potential areas of risk, recommending proposed solutions and executing with cross-functional stakeholder alignment

• Support supplier strategy execution and category planning by providing inputs, tracking actions, and helping translate plans into execution

• Lead Supplier Relationship Management activities by identifying supplier performance themes, development needs, and follow-up actions within assigned suppliers or categories

• Support risk management, business continuity planning, supplier segmentation, and supply base management activities within assigned scope

• Strengthen existing tools, templates, routines, and ways of working to improve efficiency, visibility, follow-through, and execution discipline

• Help maintain consistency in sourcing processes, supplier communication, issue tracking, and follow-up across the area of responsibility

• Use data and established governance routines to monitor progress, support accountability, and improve execution quality

• Contribute ideas that simplify processes, reduce rework, and improve speed and clarity of execution

Expected Experience & Required Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, finance, operations, engineering, or a related field

• Solid procurement experience, ideally including external manufacturing, finished goods, ingredients, packaging, CAPEX, or related categories

• Experience managing sourcing activities, supplier relationships, negotiations, contracting coordination, and operational follow-through in a complex business environment

• Strong execution mindset with the ability to manage multiple priorities with quality and discipline

• Strong organizational and follow-through skills, with the ability to keep work moving across stakeholders and timelines

• Sound commercial and business judgment within a defined scope of responsibility

• Ability to identify issues early, solve problems proactively, and escalate appropriately when needed

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills across matrixed teams and functions

• Ability to coordinate effectively with cross-functional partners and maintain momentum on shared work

• Growing category and supplier management capability, including understanding of performance drivers, risks, and business implications

• Continuous improvement mindset, with the ability to strengthen existing tools, routines, and ways of working over time

• Curiosity about AI and digital tools, with interest in how they can improve visibility, efficiency, and decision making

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with source-to-pay tools such as SAP, Ariba, Workday, and related systems

Work Environment & Schedule This position is considered a normal office environment with moderate travel to customer locations, stores, manufacturing facilities, etc.; offices are open workspaces. To create a more agile and modern workplace, we allow Chicago/Aon Center based employees to work virtually for up to two days each week and expect them to work in-person during the defined core days at their assigned work location at least three days per workweek

Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.

New Hire Base Salary Range:

$89,800.00 - $112,200.00

Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.

The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors

Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

• Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments

• Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training

• Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs

• Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s) Chicago/Aon Center

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.