Global Sourcing Category Manager - Corn Derivatives W/M

Lactalis Group; Laval; Sur place; EUR 90 000 - 120 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Lactalis Group seeks a Senior Category Manager for Corn Derivatives, based in Laval (53). Lead the global sourcing strategy for corn-derived ingredients and manage supplier relationships to optimize cost, quality, and innovation.

Requires fluent French and English, 5+ years in purchasing/strategic sourcing, and ability to lead cross-functional projects in a multicultural environment. Travel 10–30% is expected to liaise with local teams and suppliers.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in Purchasing/Strategic sourcing.
• Experience in manufacturing packaged consumer products and food is highly valued.
• Fluent in French and English.
• Ability to build and manage a future team.
• Experience in project management.

Responsabilités

• Develop and execute multi-year category strategies for corn derivatives with stakeholders across functions.
• Lead global strategic roadmap for corn-derived ingredients and align sourcing with Lactalis’ priorities, innovation, and sustainability.
• Drive supplier engagement, contract frameworks, and governance across regions.
• Lead negotiations to secure competitive pricing while ensuring long-term value and reliability.
• Manage supplier segmentation, risk, and global supply base alignment.
• Support global savings plans and annual budget with robust commodity assumptions.
• Collaborate with local teams to implement global sourcing strategies and Master Supply Agreements.

Connaissances

Fluent French and English

People management

Project management

Formation

Bachelor’s degree in business or related field

Description du poste

This role is responsible for leading Corn Derivatives (starches, glucose syrup, maltodextrins, polydextrose etc.) category work (Spend ~100M€ growing) to support the growth of Lactalis at global level.

This role is critical to supporting the global growth of Lactalis and will be part of the Global Procurement team, reporting directly to the Global Sourcing Manager – Agri-Commodities.

This is a challenging, highly dynamic and visible role that will allow you to lead key strategies and projects to optimize the quality, service, costs, innovation and cash performance of your categories.

Your mission and challenges

• Develop and implement multi-year category strategies with all relevant stakeholders (Country Procurement team, R&D, Industrial, Quality, Marketing…)
• Design and lead the global strategic roadmap for corn‑derived ingredients, aligning sourcing decisions with Lactalis’ business priorities, innovation pipeline, and sustainability goals.
• Drive global alignment and governance, ensuring consistency in sourcing practices, contract frameworks, and supplier engagement across all regions.
• Lead and manage strategic relationships with global suppliers, ensuring strong alignment with business goals and consistent performance.
• Lead contract negotiations to secure the most competitive pricing while ensuring long‑term value and supplier reliability.
• Manage supplier segmentation and rationalization, ensuring the global supply base is strategically aligned, competitive, and risk‑resilient.
• Implement robust supplier risk management frameworks, proactively identifying and mitigating geopolitical, financial, operational risks.
• Continuously analyze global corn markets and macroeconomic factors to anticipate supply risks, guide sourcing strategy, and support long‑term planning.
• Negotiate and implement key Master Supply Agreements and assist local teams in implementing them.
• Work closely with local teams to apply global sourcing strategies, ensuring smooth collaboration and clear communication.
• Drive savings plans and contribute to the annual budget process through robust commodity assumptions.
• Lead cross‑functional projects to optimize cost, quality, and innovation in corn derivative sourcing.
• Be part of the Lactalis sustainable roadmap.
• Lead the Corn Derivatives action plan on new acquisitions to quickly find synergies to support Lactalis Group growth.

This position, based in Laval (53), requires frequent travels (10-30% of the time) to meet with local teams and visit suppliers.

What is essential for us?

• Bachelor’s Degree from a four‑year college or university in business or a business‑related field, or more.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in Purchasing/Strategic sourcing.
• Experience in manufacturing packaged consumer products and food is highly valued.
• Teamwork and transparency.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and communication skills. Ability to integrate stakeholders & business partners.
• Able to build and manage a future team.
• Experience in project management.
• Fluent in French and English.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment.