Global Sourcing Category Manager - Corn Derivatives (M/W)

This role is responsible for leading Corn Derivatives (starches, glucose syrup, maltodextrins, polydextrose etc.) category work (Spend ~100M€ growing) to support the growth of Lactalis at global level.

This role is critical to supporting the global growth of Lactalis and will be part of the Global Procurement team, reporting directly to the Global Sourcing Manager – Agri-Commodities.

This is a challenging, highly dynamic and visible role that will allow you to lead key strategies and projects to optimize the quality, service, costs, innovation and cash performance of your categories.

Your mission and challenges

• Develop and implement multi-year category strategies with all relevant stakeholders (Country Procurement team, R&D, Industrial, Quality, Marketing...)
• Design and lead the global strategic roadmap for corn-derived ingredients, aligning sourcing decisions with Lactalis’ business priorities, innovation pipeline, and sustainability goals.
• Drive global alignment and governance, ensuring consistency in sourcing practices, contract frameworks, and supplier engagement across all regions.
• Lead and manage strategic relationships with global suppliers, ensuring strong alignment with business goals and consistent performance
• Lead contract negotiations to secure the most competitive pricing while ensuring long-term value and supplier reliability
• Manage supplier segmentation and rationalization, ensuring the global supply base is strategically aligned, competitive, and risk-resilient
• Implement robust supplier risk management frameworks, proactively identifying and mitigating geopolitical, financial, operational risks.
• Continuously analyze global corn markets and macroeconomic factors to anticipate supply risks, guide sourcing strategy, and support long-term planning.
• Negotiate and implement key Master Supply Agreements and assist local teams in implementing them
• Work closely with local teams to apply global sourcing strategies, ensuring smooth collaboration and clear communication.
• Monitor and report on category performance, ensuring alignment with global procurement KPIs
• Drive savings plans and contributes to the annual budget process through robust commodity assumptions.
• Lead cross-functional projects to optimize cost, quality, and innovation in corn derivative sourcing.
• Promote knowledge sharing and best practices across regions.
• Maintain an active innovation watch
• Be part of the Lactalis sustainable roadmap
• Lead the Corn Derivatives action plan on new acquisitions to quickly find synergies to support Lactalis Group growth

This position requires frequent travels (10-30% of the time) to meet with local teams and visit suppliers.

What is essential for us?

• Bachelor’s Degree from four-year college or university in business or a business-related field, or more
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in Purchasing/Strategic sourcing
• Experience and success in a Lactalis Zone Procurement role is a real advantage as we ideally aim to promote a talented internal candidate.
• Experience in manufacturing packaged consumer products and food is highly valued
• Teamwork and transparency
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to integrate stakeholders & business partners
• Able to build and manage a future team
• Experience in project management
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment with contacts and projects in different countries/continents
• Experience working cross-functionally with a variety of stakeholders across multiple sites.