Category Manager - Dairy

AB Agri

Netherlands

On-site

EUR 56,700 - 69,300

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

A leading global agricultural firm is seeking a Category Manager - Dairy to manage strategy and delivery for key dairy ingredients. The role requires extensive experience in category management and strategic sourcing in food or dairy sectors. Strong financial skills and relationships with suppliers across Europe are key. This position offers a competitive salary and a dynamic work environment focused on innovation and sustainability.

Qualifications

Extensive experience in category management or strategic sourcing within food, feed, or dairy-related commodities.
Proven track record in managing the full procurement process, including category management and supplier management.
Solid understanding of dairy ingredient markets, such as whey, lactose, and protein derivatives.

Responsibilities

Develop and deliver a multi-year dairy category strategy aligned with commercial goals.
Lead annual cost budgeting and category risk planning processes.
Build relationships with strategic dairy suppliers and processors across Europe.
Coordinate supplier risk assessments in collaboration with Quality.
Act as the primary link between Procurement and Nutrition/R&D.

Skills

Category management

Procurement process

Dairy ingredient markets

Financial analysis

Supplier management

English fluency

Job description

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Job Title: Category Manager - Dairy

Location: Remote, with regular travel across Europe required.

Contract: Permanent

Packages include: Salary from 63,000 EUR per year plus a benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and reward your impact.

AB Agri is a global leader in animal feed, nutrition, and agri-food solutions, operating in 84 countries. We are committed to producing food sustainably and responsibly through innovation and efficiency. As a Category Manager, you will manage the full strategy and delivery for key ingredients, including delectated whey powders, WPC, lactose, dairy permeates, and other milk-based ingredients critical to our nutritional product lines You will work within an international team, benefit from professional development opportunities, and be part of a great company that values growth, collaboration, and making a positive impact in the industry.

What you'll be doing:

Develop and deliver a multi-year dairy category strategy aligned with commercial pricing goals, margin improvement initiatives, and nutrition product development plans.
Lead annual cost budgeting and category risk planning processes.
Build and maintain strong senior-level relationships with strategic dairy suppliers, producers, processors, and traders across Europe.
Coordinate supplier risk assessments, including financial, ESG, and capacity reviews, in collaboration with Quality.
Act as the primary link between Procurement and Nutrition/R&D to ensure category strategies meet technical formulation and feed performance requirements.
Support Quality and Regulatory Affairs in maintaining feed safety standards, implementing traceability protocols, and conducting supplier audits.

What you'll bring:

Extensive experience in category management or strategic sourcing within food, feed, or dairy-related commodities.
Proven track record in managing the full procurement process, including category management, use of e-sourcing tools, and supplier management/analytics.
Solid understanding of dairy ingredient markets, such as whey, lactose, and protein derivatives.
Strong financial and commercial skills, including knowledge of TCO, commodity risk, and hedging principles.
Fluent in English, with willingness to travel regularly across Europe (20–40%).

Seniority level