Strategic Category Specialist – Materials & Packaging

LHH; Poland; On-site; PLN 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

International team

Growth path

Cost optimization impact

Job summary

LHH is seeking a Category Specialist for an international manufacturing client in Opole, Poland. You will own selected procurement categories, drive sourcing projects and manage supplier relationships with local and international teams.

The initial scope includes raw materials, ingredients and packaging categories. You will lead negotiations, analyze spend and contribute to category strategies while coordinating with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• University degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Economics, Business Administration or related field.
• Several years of experience in procurement, purchasing or supply chain.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably food industry.
• Experience in supplier negotiations and relationship management.
• Strong analytical skills with cost, quotation and spend data.
• Commercial mindset with results orientation.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Very good command of English.
• Very good MS Excel knowledge.
• Experience with ERP systems and digital procurement tools is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage sourcing and purchasing processes for assigned categories, including RFQs.
• Conduct market analysis, supplier research and quotation analysis.
• Analyze spend, costs and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
• Lead commercial negotiations and recommend sourcing solutions.
• Build and maintain relationships with suppliers.
• Monitor supplier performance on cost, quality, delivery and service.
• Identify procurement risks and support alternative sourcing.
• Contribute to category strategies, budgets and cost-saving initiatives.
• Support projects for production site development and growth in Opole.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, R&D, Finance and Supply Chain teams.
• Support improvement projects to optimize costs, supply security and supplier performance.
• Maintain procurement data, contracts and reporting in internal systems.

Skills

Procurement

Category management

RFQ

Negotiations

Stakeholder management

Excel

Education

University degree in Procurement or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Digital procurement tools

Job description

LHH is seeking a Category Specialist for an international manufacturing client in Opole, Poland. You will own selected procurement categories, drive sourcing projects and manage supplier relationships with local and international teams.

The initial scope includes raw materials, ingredients and packaging categories. You will lead negotiations, analyze spend and contribute to category strategies while coordinating with cross-functional teams.