As a Senior Category Manager at Kellanova, you will lead and optimize the procurement of raw materials for the North American region. Your mission is to ensure the availability of high-quality materials at the best possible conditions, focusing on quality, price, and service. You will be responsible for budget accuracy, driving savings projects, and resolving escalations.
This role is pivotal in developing and executing sourcing strategies, managing budgets, and fostering strong supplier relationships while promoting sustainability and responsible sourcing. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for excellence and a knack for navigating market trends, this role offers a dynamic and rewarding career path. This hybrid role can be based out of our Battle Creek, MI, or Chicago, IL office.
A Taste of What You’ll Be Doing
Strategy Development- Develop and execute sourcing strategies for your categories, primarily focusing on wheat and corn products. Identify and mitigate risks and create short- and long-term action plans in collaboration with Operations, Quality, and R&D teams. Market Analysis and Negotiation- Track and analyze market trends to drive insights for agri-commodities. Understand commodity futures markets and actively manage cash market components (basis, feed, conversion, and freight). Negotiate with suppliers to maximize value while maintaining strong relationships. Finance and Budgeting- Based on market trends and negotiation plans, build and manage budgets and forecasts throughout the year. Ensure accuracy and compliance with financial guidelines, including Outlook, PPV, Coverage, and Risk & Opportunities. Supplier Relationship Management- Oversee critical supplier relationships and support the Kellanova SRM program to measure and track supplier performance within your spend category. Collaborate with the Procurement Ops team and manage escalations. Sustainability and Responsible Sourcing- Promote the company’s sustainability and responsible sourcing commitments. Collaborate with the responsible sourcing team to meet targets and encourage supplier diversity at both tier 1 and tier 2 levels.
We’re Looking for Someone With
Bachelor’s degree. Extensive experience in the procurement domain and category management, experience in formulating strategy, planning, problem-solving, and project management while operating in a dynamic and outcome-orientated environment. Experience in agri-commodity procurement with knowledge of procurement processes and industry best practices. Flair for numbers & data analysis, ability to identify value creation opportunities within the supply chain. Ability to manage stakeholders and work with cross-functional teams.
What’s Next
After you apply, your application will be reviewed by a real recruiter, so it may take us a few weeks to get back with you by email or phone. Visit our How We Hire page to get insights into our hiring process and more about what we offer.
Need assistance throughout the application or hiring process? Email USA.Recruitment@Kellanova.com.
If you join our team, you’ll be rewarded for the difference you make. Our comprehensive benefits offer you the support you need through your life events, big or small. Visit our benefits page & be sure to ask your recruiter for more specific information.
Get to Know Us
At Kellanova, we are driven by our vision to be the world’s best-performing snacks-led powerhouse, unleashing the full potential of our differentiated brands and our passionate people. Our portfolio of iconic, world-class brands include Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, MorningStar Farms, Special K, Krave, Zucaritas, Tresor, Crunchy Nut, among others.
Kellanova’s Culture of Best means we bring our best to all that we do in pursuit of our vision to be the world’s best-performing snacks-led powerhouse. Our culture celebrates boldness and empowers our people to challenge the status quo, achieve results, and win together.
Our focus on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) enables us to build a culture of belonging where all employees have a place at the table and are inspired to share their passion, talents, and ideas to work.
Mars has agreed to acquire Kellanova in a combination that will shape the future of snacking! The transaction is anticipated to close within the first half of 2025 (subject to Kellanova shareowner approval and other customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals). The companies remain separate until closing.
You can learn more at www.futureofsnacking.com, and our hiring teams will be happy to discuss further questions if your application advances in the hiring process.
The best brands. The best people. The best you.
Kellanova is an Equal Opportunity Employer that strives to provide an inclusive work environment, a seat for everyone at the table, and embraces the diverse talent of its people. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information regarding our efforts to advance Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion, please visit our website here.