Procurement Lead External Manufacturing

Michael Page International (Netherlands); Amsterdam; Hybrid; EUR 92,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Page International (Netherlands) is recruiting a Procurement Lead External Manufacturing to report to the Director External Manufacturing. You will lead a small team of two buyers and manage a strategically important external manufacturing portfolio across Europe, driving supplier performance and long-term category strategies.

The role offers a permanent position in Amstelveen with hybrid working, a salary between €92,000 and €108,000 plus potential bonus.

Qualifications

• 8+ years' proven procurement experience within the food industry.
• Strong people leadership, coaching, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated experience in contract management and strategic supplier negotiations.
• External Manufacturing (EM) or Co-Manufacturing experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage strategic external manufacturing supplier relationships across Europe.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of two procurement professionals.
• Develop and execute category and supplier strategies.
• Lead complex contract negotiations and commercial discussions.
• Drive productivity, cost improvement, and value creation initiatives.
• Identify and mitigate supply, operational, commercial, and quality risks.

Skills

Procurement leadership

Stakeholder management

Contract negotiations

Team leadership

Tools

External Manufacturing (EM)

Co-Manufacturing

Job description

• Lead strategic supplier partnerships and develop a high-performing team.
• Procurement, External Manufacturing, Co-Manu-, FMCG, Strategic Sourcing

About Our Client

Our client is a leading international food manufacturer with a strong portfolio of well-known consumer brands across Europe. Operating in a fast-paced and entrepreneurial environment, the business combines innovation, operational excellence, and a culture of ownership. This role offers the opportunity to influence strategic supplier partnerships, lead a small team, and contribute to the continued growth and resilience of a European manufacturing network.

Job Description

As Procurement Lead External Manufacturing, you will report to the Director External Manufacturing and play a pivotal role within the European procurement organisation. You will lead a team of two buyers while managing a strategically important external manufacturing portfolio focused on food production.

You will be responsible for driving supplier performance, productivity initiatives, risk mitigation, and long-term category strategies. The role requires close collaboration with Operations, Commercial, Product Development, Quality, Marketing, and Supply Chain stakeholders across Europe. With ownership of a significant spend portfolio and responsibility for key supplier relationships, this position offers substantial visibility and impact.

If you are a hands-on procurement leader who enjoys building supplier partnerships, developing people, and driving measurable business results, this could be the ideal next step in your career.

Responsibilities (not limited to):

• Manage strategic external manufacturing supplier relationships across Europe.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of two procurement professionals.
• Develop and execute category and supplier strategies.
• Lead complex contract negotiations and commercial discussions.
• Drive productivity, cost improvement, and value creation initiatives.
• Identify and mitigate supply, operational, commercial, and quality risks.
• Manage financial planning and spend performance for the assigned portfolio.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders across Operations, Supply Chain, R&D, Marketing, Quality, and Commercial functions.

The Successful Applicant

• 8+ years' proven procurement experience within the food industry.
• Strong people leadership, coaching, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated experience in contract management and strategic supplier negotiations.
• External Manufacturing (EM) or Co-Manufacturing experience.
• Experience in food ingredients, packaging, direct procurement, or related categories a strong plus
• Background in Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, or strong commercial/P&L exposure.
• Living within commuting distance of Amstelveen

What's on Offer

Our client offers you:

• A permanent position based in Amstelveen.
• A competitive salary ranging between €92.000 and €108.000 per year. Excluding bonus
• Hybrid working