Associate Global Buyer

Kerry; Naas; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Kerry in Ireland is seeking a Global Associate Buyer to support the development and execution of global category strategies across indirect procurement areas including ICT, QSHE, Professional Services, and Travel & Meetings.

Working closely with global stakeholders, regional procurement teams, and suppliers, you will drive sourcing excellence, deliver cost savings, identify innovation opportunities, and ensure Kerry secures the best value from its supplier partnerships.

Qualifications

• Previous procurement or purchasing experience with a proven track record of delivering results.
• Experience managing sourcing projects, supplier negotiations, and procurement initiatives.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively across all levels of a global organisation.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
• High levels of motivation, resilience, and accountability.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global category strategies for indirect spend.
• Lead supplier selection and global sourcing projects.
• Collaborate with regional and global stakeholders to implement strategies.
• Identify market trends and supplier innovations to improve value, quality, service.
• Manage tendering via Coupa and evaluate proposals.
• Negotiate pricing, SLAs, and contracts.
• Coordinate contracting models to meet business needs.
• Support supplier performance reviews and continuous improvement.
• Track supplier performance metrics and category KPIs.
• Produce meeting minutes and monitor actions.

Skills

Procurement experience

Sourcing projects

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Project management

Excel skills

MS Office

Tools

Coupa

Job description

About Kerry

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

About The Role

As a Global Associate Buyer, you will play a key role in supporting the development and implementation of global category strategies across indirect procurement areas including ICT, QSHE, Professional Services, and Travel & Meetings.

Working closely with global stakeholders, regional procurement teams, and suppliers, you will help drive sourcing excellence, deliver cost savings, identify innovation opportunities, and ensure Kerry secures the best value from its supplier partnerships.

This role offers excellent exposure to global procurement activities, strategic supplier management, and cross-functional collaboration across an international organisation.

Strategic Sourcing & Category Management

• Support the development and execution of global category strategies for designated indirect spend categories.
• Lead, coordinate, and support supplier selection processes and global sourcing projects.
• Partner with regional and global stakeholders to ensure procurement strategies are effectively implemented.
• Identify market trends, supplier innovations, and opportunities to improve value, quality, and service.

Supplier & Contract Management

• Manage tendering activities through Coupa and evaluate supplier proposals.
• Conduct commercial negotiations to secure optimal pricing, service levels, and contractual terms.
• Ensure appropriate contracting models are implemented to support business requirements and deliver category objectives.
• Support supplier performance reviews and help drive continuous improvement initiatives with key suppliers.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders across multiple functions and regions.
• Collaborate with Global Functions and Regional Procurement teams to align business needs and procurement strategies.
• Facilitate cross-functional discussions and support decision‑making through data‑driven recommendations.

Cost Savings & Continuous Improvement

• Identify, quantify, and document cost‑saving opportunities across assigned categories.
• Support the implementation and tracking of procurement improvement initiatives.
• Challenge existing processes and seek opportunities to enhance efficiency, compliance, and supplier performance.

Governance & Reporting

• Support and coordinate global category council meetings.
• Produce meeting minutes, track actions, and ensure accountability for key deliverables.
• Monitor supplier performance metrics and category KPIs, providing insights and recommendations where appropriate.

What you will need to succeed

At Kerry, we recognise that career journeys are unique, and we're committed to building diverse teams with a broad range of experiences. We are looking for a motivated procurement professional who combines strong commercial acumen with excellent relationship‑building and analytical skills.

Essential Requirements

• Previous procurement or purchasing experience with a proven track record of delivering results.
• Experience managing sourcing projects, supplier negotiations, and procurement initiatives.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively across all levels of a global organisation.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast‑paced environment.
• High levels of motivation, resilience, and accountability.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working with indirect spend categories such as ICT, Professional Services, Travel & Meetings, or QSHE.
• Knowledge of procurement systems such as Coupa.
• Experience working within a global or matrix organisation.
• Exposure to supplier performance management and strategic sourcing methodologies.

What we offer

At Kerry, you'll have the opportunity to work on global projects that make a real impact while developing your career within a world‑leading organisation.

You’ll benefit from

• Exposure to global procurement strategies and senior stakeholder engagement.
• Opportunities for professional growth and career development.
• A collaborative and inclusive working environment.
• The chance to contribute to meaningful sustainability and business performance initiatives.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

In Kerry, Benefits Are Not Just For You

They are also for your family, your future, and your wellbeing. Join us and become part of a team that's committed to creating better outcomes for our customers, communities, and colleagues around the world.