Central Procurement Manager Packaging

Worklane GmbH; Rotterdam; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Refresco is seeking a Central Procurement Manager (Packaging) to own the procurement strategy for the category, partnering with international teams and suppliers. You will negotiate contracts, drive value across the organization, and ensure the category delivers competitive commercial outcomes.

You will collaborate with Business Units, monitor market trends, and lead value engineering initiatives while managing relationships with strategic suppliers and stakeholders across the global network.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in business, supply chain, procurement, engineering, economics or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in strategic procurement, category management, or global sourcing in international environment.
• Proven experience developing category strategies and negotiating complex commercial agreements.
• Strong commercial acumen with ability to identify opportunities, mitigate risks, and create long-term business value.
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to translate market developments into procurement strategies.
• Experience managing senior stakeholders across international and cross-functional organizations.
• Experience working with ERP systems, preferably SAP, and procurement analytics.
• Fluent in English; additional European languages are considered an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the procurement strategy for your category, aligned with Refresco's business objectives.
• Take full ownership of your category, independently driving commercial decisions and procurement initiatives.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with suppliers and act as the primary commercial contact for your category.
• Lead sourcing activities, negotiate prices, terms, and conditions, and take responsibility for contracting within your category.
• Monitor market developments, identify risks and opportunities, and proactively share market intelligence with Business Units and other stakeholders.
• Partner with Business Units to identify and implement value engineering initiatives that improve cost, quality, and overall business value.
• Manage supplier performance through KPIs, business reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support strategic procurement projects and business initiatives, including business integrations where applicable.

Skills

Strategic procurement

Category management

Global sourcing

Supplier relationships

Negotiation

Stakeholder mgmt

SAP

Analytical skills

English fluent

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree

Tools

SAP

Job description

Central Procurement Manager

Packaging

• Location: Rotterdam
• Scope: Global
• Department: Global Procurement
• Reports to: Head of Procurement Packaging
• Direct reports: None
• Travel: Regular international travel

About the role

As Central Procurement Manager, you are fully responsible for the strategic and commercial performance of your procurement category. You develop and execute the category strategy, build long-term supplier partnerships, negotiate commercial agreements, and ensure Refresco remains competitive in an ever-changing market.

Working closely with Business Units, suppliers, and cross-functional stakeholders across our international organization, you use market insights to drive informed sourcing decisions, challenge the business where appropriate, and identify opportunities to create value.

You take ownership of your category and act independently, balancing the interests of the business, suppliers, and the market to achieve the best possible commercial outcomes.

Success in this role comes down to three key responsibilities:

• Gathering and sharing market intelligence that enables better business decisions.
• Negotiating prices, terms, and contracts that strengthen Refresco's competitive position.
• Driving value engineering initiatives that create measurable value across the organization.

What you will be doing

• Develop and execute the procurement strategy for your category, aligned with Refresco's business objectives.
• Take full ownership of your category, independently driving commercial decisions and procurement initiatives.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with suppliers and act as the primary commercial contact for your category.
• Lead sourcing activities, negotiate prices, terms, and conditions, and take responsibility for contracting within your category.
• Monitor market developments, identify risks and opportunities, and proactively share market intelligence with Business Units and other stakeholders.
• Partner with Business Units to identify and implement value engineering initiatives that improve cost, quality, and overall business value.
• Manage supplier performance through KPIs, business reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support strategic procurement projects and business initiatives, including business integrations where applicable.

What you will bring

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in business administration, supply chain, procurement, engineering, economics, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in strategic procurement, category management, or global sourcing within an international environment.
• Proven experience developing category strategies, negotiating complex commercial agreements, and managing strategic supplier relationships.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to identify opportunities, mitigate risks, and create long-term business value.
• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to translate market developments into procurement strategies.
• Experience managing senior stakeholders across international and cross-functional organizations.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to independently lead strategic initiatives.
• Excellent negotiation, influencing, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience working with ERP systems, preferably SAP, and procurement analytics.
• Fluent in English; additional European languages are considered an advantage.
• Willingness to travel internationally

Behind every drink is a team that makes it happen. Join ours.

What we offer you.

At Refresco, we believe that your work should be rewarding, both professionally and personally. That’s why we offer you:

• Competitive pay with eligibility for an annual bonus
• No personal pension contribution – your pension is fully paid by Refresco
• 28 days of holiday (based on full-time employment) to recharge and enjoy your time off
• Continuous opportunities to develop yourself, with access to tailored courses, interactive e-learnings,
• Free access to OpenUp for you and your family members, supporting mental well-being and personal development
• A modern office nearby the vibrant city of Rotterdam
• Fun and connection through regular events organized by our enthusiastic Fun Committee
• Opportunities for professional development and training to help you grow in your career
• An NS Business Card or commuting allowance, making your journey to the office more convenient
• Memorable moments together, from our weekly shared Thursday lunches to annual events like Wellbeing Week, the Christmas dinner, and our Holding trip.
• A culture shaped by our core values: entrepreneurial, passionate, agile, responsible and excellent.

Important to know: We are currently unable to offer relocation support for this position. Candidates must be based locally in The Netherlands.