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

Join Ingredion, a global leader in natural ingredient solutions, and make an impact across food, paper, and many more industries. This 18‑month fixed‑term contract places you in Hamburg as a Category Specialist (m/f/d) in Chemical & Packaging procurement. The role reports to the Director of Procurement for EMEA and manages a ~€10million spend covering manufacturing sites and toll manufacturers.

Workplace type: Hybrid. Location: Hamburg.

Responsibilities and Key Duties

• Conduct market analysis for chemicals, enzymes and packaging, tracking supply and demand trends, pricing and creating reports for stakeholders.
• Define medium‑ and long‑term sourcing strategies using market insights and collaborate with Quality, Regulatory, Manufacturing and Supply Chain functions.
• Lead end‑to‑end sourcing projects – demand assessment, RFQs, offer evaluation, negotiation, contract drafting and closure, ERP implementation and stakeholder communication.
• Build, evaluate and maintain supplier relationships; manage day‑to‑day vendor operations, quarterly business reviews, supplier audits and continuous improvement.
• Support and/or lead global category projects as required.
• Prepare and update annual budgets with the FP&A team.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree or equivalent experience in supply chain, procurement, warehousing, foreign trade or business (Bachelor preferred).
• Hands‑on experience in chemicals, enzymes or packaging categories.
• Proven experience in a supplier or customer‑interfacing role.
• Strong stakeholder‑management skills, internally and externally.
• Fluency in German and English (written and spoken).

Essential Skills and Competencies

• Growth mindset and continuous learning.
• Trusted partnership building with transparency and reliability.
• Attention to detail in contract management, cost analysis and risk identification.
• Strong numerical and analytical abilities; proficiency in MS Excel, Power BI and ERP systems (SAP).
• Results orientation, ownership‑driven approach in a fast‑paced environment.

Benefits

• 37‑hour work week with flexible arrangements.
• Competitive salary and performance‑based pay.
• 30 vacation days annually plus two additional holidays on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
• Health benefits, EGYM Wellpass membership, savings plans and wellness resources.
• Profi Ticket, free parking and secure bicycle accommodation.
• Learning, training and development opportunities.
• Employee recognition and referral programs.
• Company pension plan.
• Company events (Christmas party, family day, sustainability day).

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

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 and will provide accommodation as needed.

Recruitment Process

AI‑enabled tools are used for résumé screening and interview scheduling, with all decisions reviewed by the Talent Acquisition team to ensure fairness and compliance. By applying, you acknowledge that AI may be used to support your application journey.