Strategic Sourcing Manager

Zentis - We Are Fruit Masters!

Zentis is Europe's number one fruit processing company and one of the leading brand manufacturers of jams, sweets, and custard-based desserts. The Company's North America operations are located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Plymouth, Indiana, where we produce fruit and dairy preparations for a variety of customers including yogurt, ice cream and bakery manufacturers. This is an in-office position.

Effectively manage indirect procurement activities, and procedures to deliver optimal value to the organization. Evaluate machinery components and supplies, in cooperation with maintenance staff to ensure critical spares are identified and available. Hands-on activity to identify, recommend, and purchase equipment components, services, and packaging materials. Drive cost optimization activities to manage external spend. Recommend improvements for indirect procurement methods and processes. Implement approved supplier agreements and contracts, defining expectations for quality, delivery, pricing, and service levels. Identify potential projects by analyzing category spend and market analysis to achieve best value and best cost models. Analyze industry trends, new technologies, and buying power to stay current with best practices, and discover new opportunities while minimizing risk.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead RFQs/RFPs, supplier evaluations, negotiations, and contract execution for capital equipment, technical services, MRO, and contractors.
• Source and procure indirect materials and services at best value, ensuring compliance with company policies.
• Analyze category spend, market trends, and total cost of ownership to identify cost savings and value opportunities.
• Support capital projects, facility improvements, and new product launches through strategic sourcing and supplier selection.

• Develop and manage strategic relationships with OEMs, contractors, engineering firms, and service providers.
• Negotiate pricing, service agreements, warranties, and risk mitigation terms.
• Monitor supplier performance against quality, delivery, safety, and cost expectations; conduct audits as needed.
• Maintain approved and preferred supplier lists, including alternative sourcing options.

• Partner with Engineering and Maintenance to identify critical spare parts, reduce downtime, and optimize inventory levels.
• Evaluate MRO inventory to eliminate obsolete or slow-moving stock.
• Resolve invoice discrepancies and ensure efficient procure-to-pay processes.

• Drive cost reduction initiatives through strategic sourcing, category management, and spend analysis.
• Track, report, and forecast savings; identify opportunities to reduce maverick spend.
• Implement Lean principles and standardize procurement processes across the organization.
• Participate in cross-functional teams to improve efficiency and procurement outcomes.

• Support project lifecycle activities from concept through commissioning, including supplier selection and budget tracking.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align procurement strategies with business objectives.
• Provide insights and recommendations to senior management on cost savings and sourcing strategies.

Specific Experience and Key Knowledge Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Business or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 7+ years of procurement or purchasing experience, preferably in manufacturing environments.
• Experience supporting capital projects (>$1M), facility expansions, and sourcing industrial equipment and services.

Special Skills and Abilities:

• Strong negotiation, analytical, and stakeholder management skills.
• Knowledge of MRO procurement, contract law, and total cost of ownership principles.
• Experience with SAP or similar MRP systems; advanced Excel proficiency.
• Ability to interpret contracts and manage risk effectively.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel as needed.
• German language skills are a plus.