Category Specialist (m/f/d) Chemicals & Packaging Procurement Europe

Overview

Join Ingredion, where innovation impacts lives worldwide! You may have experienced our work in your favorite chocolate, your pet’s food, the paper you write on, and your everyday snacks. Ingredion is a global company across more than 60 industries, and we harness the potential of natural ingredients to transform lives. There is a place here for you to make a real difference, whether you’re starting your career or bringing years of experience. We value diverse perspectives and are 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 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 .

Core Responsibilities

• Market Analysis - Monitor chemicals, enzymes and packaging space; analyze supply and demand trends, pricing; create reports for internal stakeholders (Procurement Lead Team, Leadership, Supply Chain, Sales).
• Category Management – Use market insights to define medium- and long-term sourcing strategy with support from Quality, Regulatory, Manufacturing and Supply Chain; optimize sourcing, reduce cost and drive value.
• Sourcing of Chemicals & Packaging – Lead sourcing projects from start to finish including demand assessment, requesting quotes, evaluating offers, negotiating, drafting contracts, closure, ERP implementations, informing stakeholders, and managing internal communications.
• Supplier Relationship Management – Identify, evaluate and onboard new suppliers; maintain relationships; manage day-to-day vendor operations; conduct quarterly business reviews with Supply Chain, Quality and Manufacturing; conduct supplier audits with Quality.
• Cooperate with Global Category Management – Support and/or lead global projects in the relevant categories as needed.
• Budgeting – Provide details and collaborate with FP&A to prepare the annual budget for your categories and provide regular updates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, procurement, warehousing and foreign trade, business or comparable experience/education.
• Work experience in chemicals, enzymes and packaging.
• Experience in a supplier or customer interfacing role.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, internal and external.
• German and English fluency, both written and spoken.

Required behaviors and skills

• Growth Mindset – proactive learner, embrace challenges, adapt quickly, pursue opportunities.
• Building Trusted Partnerships – develop value-driven, credible relationships and model Ingredion’s values.
• Attention to Detail – maintain accuracy in contract management and cost analysis; identify risks and opportunities early.
• Very Good with Numbers – analytical and financial acumen; proficient in MS Excel, Power BI and SAP or similar ERP systems.
• Drive for Results – own sourcing projects and develop categories in a fast-paced environment.

Why Join Ingredion?

Discover why Ingredion is a great place to advance your career with a rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive.

• Flexible Work Arrangements – 37-hour work week with flexibility to support professional and personal goals.
• Total Rewards Package – Competitive salary and performance-based pay.
• Generous Vacation Policy – 30 vacation days per year, plus two additional holidays on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
• Comprehensive Benefits & Wellness – Health benefits, wellness programs, savings plans, and perks like free parking and bicycle facilities.
• Career Growth – Learning, training, and development opportunities.
• Employee Recognition Program – Real-time appreciation with global rewards.
• Employee Referral Program – Refer top talent and earn a bonus if hired.
• Company Pension Plan – Retirement financial support.
• Company Events – Christmas party, family day, and Sustainability day.

We value diversity and do not discriminate on any protected characteristic. Ingredion offers support to applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.

Privacy Notice: The Applicant Privacy Notice explains how Ingredion uses personal data of applicants and what rights applicants have in relation to the data use for recruitment. This notice applies to applications submitted through Ingredion’s career websites and third parties.

Relocation Available: No