Category Specialist (m/f/d) Chemicals & Packaging Procurement Europe (Fixed-Term Contract)

Join Ingredion, where innovation impacts lives worldwide! Without even realizing it, you’ve experienced our work in your favorite chocolate, your pet’s food, the paper you write on, and your everyday snacks. As a global powerhouse across more than 60 industries, we harness the potential of natural ingredients to transform lives. Whether you’re just starting your career or bringing years of experience, there's a place for you here to make a real difference. Be part of our team that values a wide range of perspectives and is committed to shaping a better world with every product we create. 

Location: Hamburg

Workplace Type: Hybrid

Ingredion is looking for a Specialist with strong experience in Chemical and Packaging procurement in Hamburg!

The Category Specialist (m/f/d) is responsible for two key categories with a combined spend of ~10€ million covering manufacturing sites of Ingredion, KaTech Ingredient Solutions and toll manufacturers where applicable.  

This role reports to the Director of Procurement for EMEA.

This is an 18-month fixed-term contract position.

What you will do:

• Market Analysis - Monitoring of chemicals, enzymes and packaging space, market analysis like supply and demand trends, pricing, creating reports to key internal stakeholders (Procurement Lead Team, Leadership, Supply Chain, Sales).  

• Category Management – Use insights from the market analysis to define the medium and long-term sourcing strategy in relevant markets with the support of other functions (Quality, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Supply Chain). Optimize sourcing options, reduce cost and drive value.

• Sourcing of Chemicals & Packaging - Lead sourcing projects from start to finish including demand assessment, requesting quotes, offer evaluation, negotiation, contract drafting & closure, implementation in ERP systems, information of stakeholders, management of interna

• Supplier Relationship Management – Identify, evaluate and establish new suppliers as well as maintaining existing relationships. Manage day-to-day operations with vendors. Conduct quarterly business reviews together with relevant functions like Supply Chain, Quality, Manufacturing. Conduct supplier audits together with Quality.

• Cooperate with Global Category Management – Support and/or lead global projects in the relevant categories as needed.

• Budgeting – Provide details and work with the FP&A team to prepare the annual budget of your categories as well as regular updates throughout the year.

What you will bring:

• (Bachelor) degree in supply chain, procurement, warehousing and foreign trade, business or comparable experience / education.

• Work experience in the categories chemicals, enzymes and packaging.

• Demonstrated experience in a supplier or customer interfacing role.

• Strong stakeholder management skills, both internally as well as externally.

• German and English fluency, both written and spoken

Who you are

• Growth Mindset – A proactive approach to learning and continuous improvement, with the ability to embrace challenges, adapt quickly to changing priorities, and seek opportunities for growth.

• Trusted Partnership Building – Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to establish and maintain value-driven partnerships internally and externally through transparency, reliability, and a commitment to Ingredion's values.

• Attention to Detail – A high level of accuracy across contract management, cost analysis, and supplier interactions, with the ability to identify risks and opportunities early and take appropriate action.

• Strong Numerical & Analytical Skills – Excellent analytical and financial acumen, including proficiency in MS Excel, Power BI, and ERP systems such as SAP.

• Results Orientation – A proactive, ownership-driven approach to managing sourcing projects and developing category strategies in a fast-paced environment.

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Why Join Ingredion?   

Discover why Ingredion is the ideal place to advance your career with our exceptional rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive. Create the future with us and enjoy: 

Flexible Work Arrangements – We value flexibility to support you both professionally and personally  within a 37-hour work week 

Total Rewards Package – Competitive salary and performance-based pay recognizing your contributions to our success  

Generous Vacation Policy – Take advantage of 30 vacation days each year, plus two additional holidays on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve 

Comprehensive Benefits & Wellness Support – Access health benefits, EGYM Wellpass Membership, savings plans, and resources for your well-being, plus perks like a Profi Ticket, free parking, and secure bicycle accommodations. 

Career Growth – Learning, training, and development opportunities.  

Employee Recognition Program – A culture of real-time appreciation, with personalized recognition rewards globally  

Employee Referral Program – Refer top talent and earn a bonus if they’re hired  

Company Pension Plan – Secure your future with financial support for retirement. 

Company Events – Join in on our Christmas party, family day, or Sustainability day for fun and connection 

We value diversity in our company and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, military status, or disability status.

Ingredion offers support to applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If an applicant requires accommodation during the application or selection process, we will work with the applicant to meet their needs.

Privacy Notice: The Applicant Privacy Notice explains how Ingredion uses personal data of applicants and what rights an applicant has in relation to the use of this data for recruitment purposes. This notice applies to applications submitted through Ingredion's career websites and through third parties, such as recruitment agencies, job boards and other means, e. g. by post or e-mail. The announcement can be viewed here:

 https://emea.ingredion.com/legal/candidate_privacy_notice.html

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Ingredion uses AI-enabled tools to support parts of the recruitment process, including resume screening and interview scheduling. These tools help match candidate skills to job requirements and streamline communication. All AI-assisted decisions are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team to ensure fairness and compliance with applicable laws. By applying, you acknowledge that AI may be used to support your application journey.

Relocation Available: No