Senior Category Buyer

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"Join our dynamic procurement team as a Senior Category Buyer, where your expertise will drive strategic sourcing initiatives and directly impact our growth across Europe. At the heart of a newly established procurement organization, you’ll have the unique opportunity to shape our processes, develop category strategies, and contribute to cost-effective solutions. Make a difference with us and elevate your career in a company that prioritizes a caring and supportive culture and values collaboration and excellence.”-Hiring Manager

Meaningful Work From Day One

The Senior Category Buyer will oversee and manage Brown-Forman Europe's indirect procurement activities within specified categories while establishing trusted partnerships with internal stakeholders and regional/global procurement teams.. This role aims to develop and execute category management strategies, optimize costs, and build strong supplier relationships, ensuring efficient and effective procurement processes to support the company's growth and operational success across the European region.

What You Can Expect

• Strategic Category Sourcing: Develop and implement sourcing strategies tailored to specific categories, to ensure we secure the best quality materials and services at competitive prices, while delivering in a timely manner.

• Supplier Management: Build, cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with suppliers to foster collaboration and ensure reliable supply chains.

• Control and Execution: Oversee the entire procurement cycle from project initiation to delivery, ensuring compliance with company policies and standards, while effectively managing budgets and timelines.

• Cost Optimization: Identify opportunities for cost reduction and process improvements to enhance efficiency and value.

• Market Analysis: Conduct market research to stay informed about industry trends, potential risks, and emerging opportunities within your categories.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with Marketing and Sales departments to align category procurement strategies with overall business goals.

• Sustainability Initiatives: Drive sustainable procurement practices within your categories to uphold our commitment to environmental and social responsibility.

What You Bring to the Table

• Extensive Experience: A proven track record in procurement and strategic category sourcing, ideally within FMCG industries.

• Analytical Skills: Strong ability to analyze market trends, supplier performance, and cost structures to make informed decisions.

• Negotiation Expertise: Exceptional negotiation skills to secure terms and conditions with suppliers in line with the company's objectives.

• Relationship Building: Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

• Innovative Mindset: A proactive approach to identifying new opportunities and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

• Strong Leadership: Ability to influence stakeholders, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.

• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in an evolving environment, with a willingness to embrace change and new challenges.

What Makes You Unique

• Industry-specific Knowledge: Experience in wine and spirits or luxury FMCG industry, providing insights and understanding of unique procurement needs and challenges.

• Advanced Certifications: CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) or CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) are a plus.

• European Perspective: Experience in regional procurement, with an understanding of Europe markets, regulations, and cultural nuances.

• Technology Savvy: Familiarity with procurement software and digital tools such as Coupa, SAP and Smartsheets, as well as an interest in leveraging technology to improve procurement processes.

Who We Are

We believe great people build great brands. And we know there is Nothing Better in the Market than a career at Brown-Forman. Being a part of Brown-Forman means you will grow both personally and professionally. You will have the opportunity to solve problems, seize opportunities, and generate bold ideas. You will belong to a place where teamwork matters and where you are encouraged to bring your best self to work.

Many Spirits, One Brown‑Forman- We believe that an inclusive culture, one that values the diversity and unique perspective of each individual, allows us each to bring our best self to work and leads to greater teamwork, creativity, and trust.

Cultivating a Caring Culture- We know that our strong culture is one of the many reasons people love working at Brown‑Forman.

Nothing Better- At Brown‑Forman, we craft products known for bringing people together. Our employees have made us what we are today and are the reason for our success. Do not just take our word for it. Brown‑Forman is consistently recognized as a Great Place to Work® in countries around the world.

What We Offer

Total Rewards at Brown-Forman is designed to engage our people to ensure sustainable and profitable growth for generations to come. As a premium spirits company, we offer equitable pay structures for individual and company performance alongside a premium employee experience. We offer a range of premium benefits that reflect our company values and meet the needs of our diverse workforce.

Requisition Type:

Employee

Management Level:

Professional

Global Job Level:

P6

Number of Openings Available:

1