Strategic Procurement Manager (m/f/d)

Role Description

In this role you will be driving the sourcing strategies that enable Arethia to deliver exceptional flavors to customers worldwide. You will actively scout and develop new suppliers, expand Arethia’s global supply network, and negotiate competitive conditions and pricing to secure the best value for the business. Your understanding of production processes will allow you to align procurement decisions with technical requirements and business goals, ensuring that every ingredient meets our high standards. Working closely with cross-functional teams (R&D, Sales, Quality), you will contribute directly to creating unique taste experiences while optimizing cost and supply reliability. This position offers opportunities to deepen your expertise in strategic sourcing, build strong international partnerships, and grow into broader leadership roles within our global procurement organization.

Your Mission

• Scout new suppliers and evaluate their capabilities to expand Arethia’s global supply network
• Negotiate commercial terms, pricing, and long‑term agreements to secure competitive advantages
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (RnD, Sales, Quality, etc.) to align sourcing decisions with technical and innovation requirements
• Monitor supplier performance and ensure compliance with quality, sustainability, and delivery standards
• Analyze market trends and cost drivers to develop proactive sourcing strategies and mitigate risks
• Manage relationships with key suppliers to foster partnerships that support growth and reliability
• Optimize procurement processes and identify opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiency

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Economics, Procurement, or equivalent practical experience
• At least 5 years of experience in supply chain management or direct procurement (physical goods)
• Proven experience in negotiating pricing and commercial conditions with suppliers
• Business‑level communication skills in English (minimum B2)
• Ability to travel up to 30% internationally

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in global sourcing and managing multi‑country supplier relationships
• Familiarity with flavor, food, or ingredient supply chains and related quality standards
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in cost modeling and market trend analysis
• Ability to lead cross‑functional projects and drive process improvements
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills to build strong supplier partnerships

Why you’ll love working here

• Exciting tasks in an internationally operating, growing family business with flat hierarchies
• Flexible working hours and a hybrid working model
• 4 weeks remote work from other EU countries
• 30 days paid vacation per year
• Salary bands for a fair corporate culture
• Monthly allowance of €50 for your BAV
• Annual 360° feedback loops with clear promotion criteria and an individual career path
• Responsibility from day one in a company that encourages personal responsibility and growth
• Relocation costs can be reimbursed on a pro rata basis
• Regular company events such as summer party, Christmas party
• Paid team dinners or activities for each team twice a year
• Free parking right outside the door
• Perks and benefits: JobRad, subsidized lunch, subsidy for the Deutschlandticket, free language courses and discounted memberships at several gyms and for the Wellpass
• Fresh fruit, free drinks and snacks in the office

About Us

At Arethia, we fuse our long‑standing reputation with a continual push for progress. A rapidly expanding player in the flavour industry, Arethia specialises in delivering innovative taste solutions and co‑creating products that consumers love. For more than 70 years, Arethia has been known for its close collaboration with customers and the highest quality standards. With over 250 employees spread across Germany, Switzerland, Dubai, and Indonesia, we aim to shape the future of flavours with a culture that values agility, transparency, and talent.