Regional Direct Category Buyer – NORAM

Roquette Group; Midland (MI); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Roquette Group in Midland, Michigan seeks a Regional Direct Category Buyer for Packaging to manage a spend portfolio across NORAM, implement framework agreements, and optimize supplier performance.

The role combines sourcing, contract negotiation, and KPI reporting within a hybrid work environment, requiring strong analytical and cross-functional collaboration skills and excellent English.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred in supply chain, procurement, business, engineering, or related discipline.
• Experience in commodity sourcing and supplier management within an industrial environment.
• Knowledge of packaging markets.
• Advanced English proficiency.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional and international teams.

Responsibilities

• Apply purchasing policies in accordance with Roquette category management guidelines.
• Lead sourcing activities, supplier selection processes, contract negotiations, and contract execution.
• Develop and implement regional purchasing strategies aligned with Group category strategies and priorities.
• Partner closely with Supply Chain, Logistics, Planning, Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, and other stakeholders to support business objectives.
• Track and report purchasing KPIs, savings initiatives, objectives, and action plan progress.
• Identify opportunities to optimize the supplier base, improve value creation, and support business growth.

Skills

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

English proficiency

Negotiation

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

The Role:

We are looking for our next Regional Direct Category Buyer, Packaging within our Purchasing/Procurement team. The Regional Direct Category Buyer is responsible for managing an evolving spend portfolio across Roquette facilities in Canada and the continental United States (NORAM region). The role implements international framework agreements within the assigned scope, ensures local sourcing activities are aligned with Roquette's purchasing strategy, and manages the full purchasing process including sourcing, negotiations, contract development, supplier performance management, and purchasing KPI reporting. This position works closely with local and global stakeholders to optimize supplier performance, support business initiatives, and maximize supply chain effectiveness.

This position is located in Midland, Michigan.

Compensation:

The current salary range for this role is estimated to be $100,000 - $150,000. In addition, this position may also be eligible to earn performance-based incentive compensation. The specific compensation offered to a candidate will be influenced by a variety of factors including but not limited to skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

What You'll Do:

• Apply purchasing policies, procedures, and planning in accordance with Roquette category management guidelines.
• Implement Group framework agreements and ensure effective adoption within the assigned scope.
• Lead sourcing activities, supplier selection processes, contract negotiations, and contract execution.
• Develop and implement regional purchasing strategies aligned with Group category strategies and priorities.
• Partner closely with Supply Chain, Logistics, Planning, Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, and other stakeholders to support business objectives.
• Participate in cross-functional development and transformation projects to improve supply chain performance.
• Act as project buyer for business-led initiatives and projects.
• Negotiate and manage supplier contracts in accordance with Roquette purchasing and legal requirements.
• Maintain contract-related information in SAP and related procurement systems, including catalogs, pricing, and purchasing conditions.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers.
• Monitor supplier performance to ensure compliance with quality, safety, contractual, and business requirements.
• Track and report purchasing KPIs, savings initiatives, objectives, and action plan progress.
• Identify opportunities to optimize the supplier base, improve value creation, and support business growth.

Position Scope

• Based in Midland, Michigan.
• Primary responsibility for Packaging commodities supporting Roquette HPS facilities in Midland, MI; Institute, WV; Plaquemine, LA; and Newark, DE.
• Scope may expand to include NBI facilities in Portage la Prairie, MB; Gurnee, IL; and Keokuk, IA.

What You'll Need:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree preferred in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, Engineering, or a related discipline.

Experience:

• Experience in commodity sourcing, supplier management, and procurement within an industrial environment.
• Expertise in sourcing methodologies including: Functional needs analysis Strategic sourcing Supplier selection Negotiation Contract management Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis
• Knowledge of Packaging commodity markets required.
• Technical knowledge of Packaging and Chemicals is considered an asset.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional and international teams.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Advanced English language proficiency.

Work Environment:

• Hybrid role with regular interaction across manufacturing, supply chain, and operational functions.

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work:

• Full-time position.
• Additional hours may be required to support business needs and supplier engagement across the NORAM region.

AAP/EEO Statement

Roquette is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. "AAP, EEO, Drug-Free Workplace".

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.