External Manufacturing Procurement Lead - Team & Strategy

Kraft Heinz; Illinois; Hybrid; USD 121,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, &視

401k and Life Insurance

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Kraft Heinz is seeking a Sr. Manager, External Manufacturing Procurement in Chicago to lead a team of buyers and drive disciplined execution across the core external manufacturing portfolio.

You will translate priorities into actionable plans, coach buyers through sourcing decisions, and shape mid- to long-term supplier strategies to enable business objectives. The role partners with R&D, Marketing, Finance, Legal, Sales, and Operations, ensuring alignment with business goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain, business, finance, operations, engineering; MBA preferred
• Significant procurement experience including external manufacturing / finished goods / ingredients / packaging
• Demonstrated people leadership, coaching, and development of high-performing teams
• Strong sourcing, supplier management, negotiation, contracting, and execution in a complex environment
• Experience developing category strategies and supplier plans aligning near-term with long‑term needs
• Curiosity about AI and digital tools to improve visibility and decision making

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of base external manufacturing buyers responsible for sourcing and supplier management
• Translate priorities into clear buyer focus, workplans, and execution expectations
• Coach buyers through sourcing decisions and negotiations to strengthen capability
• Drive disciplined short- to mid-term execution across the portfolio including bidding, contracting, and follow-through
• Oversee day-to-day supplier management routines and performance management
• Develop category and supplier strategies balancing immediate needs with longer-term direction
• Shape a 3-year view of supplier needs, supply base development, and financial delivery
• Lead Supplier Relationship Management and identify development opportunities
• Partner with cross-functional teams to align sourcing decisions with business objectives
• Work with supply chain on network design and make/buy analyses
• Remove barriers to execution by coordinating across functions
• Establish clear team governance and priorities across the portfolio
• Ensure consistency in sourcing processes and communication
• Support risk management, business continuity, and supply base management
• Drive continuous improvement of procurement routines to simplify processes
• Monitor team performance via key sourcing delivery metrics
• Use data and governance to strengthen accountability and execution
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and source-to-pay tools (SAP, Ariba, Workday)

Skills

People leadership

Sourcing & supplier management

Negotiation

Execution discipline

AI & digital tools curiosity

Education

Bachelor's degree in supply chain, business, finance, operations, engineering

MBA preferred

Tools

SAP

Ariba

Workday

Job description

Kraft Heinz is seeking a Sr. Manager, External Manufacturing Procurement in Chicago to lead a team of buyers and drive disciplined execution across the core external manufacturing portfolio.

You will translate priorities into actionable plans, coach buyers through sourcing decisions, and shape mid- to long-term supplier strategies to enable business objectives. The role partners with R&D, Marketing, Finance, Legal, Sales, and Operations, ensuring alignment with business goals.