Global Category Sourcing Manager IT

About the job

In this role as Global Category Sourcing Manager IT, you will work in close cooperation with the Global IT stakeholders to cover Danone business requirements & sourcing in the following areas of spend: Infrastructure (EDI, API, Infrastructure (IMS) managed services and AMS/Helpdesk Services), Telecommunication & Global Network). In parallel to the portfolio, you will be involved in strategic IT initiatives and will bring experience in IT professional services and SaaS acquisitions.

The position will report to the Global Sourcing Manager IT & Data Infrastructure.

Your main responsibilities will be:

Category management:

• Develop IT category strategies & roadmap with IT & data platform leads. Deliver value for money in accordance with procurement strategy and business plans.
• Structure a procurement approach to deliver a continuous sustainable productivity per year and maximize business value.
• Develop or reinforce connection to the market via suppliers, conferences, market studies, and benchmarking to track best-in-class practices and market trends, capture technology innovation, and support Danone development and business digital transformation.
• Build strong procurement toolkit & methodology on specific area of spend and lead onboarding of zones and CBUs via focused communication on in-scope initiatives.

Sourcing:

• Source and benchmark global category suppliers on a regular basis.
• Drive consolidation of spend and negotiation leverage with IT & Data teams.
• Launch RFI/RFQ to select, engage, and manage supply base for the global categories in responsibility.
• Ensure that Danoners can use recommended solutions in best conditions of cost, quality & security.
• Work in collaboration with Legal partner to execute Support & Managed services and drive an efficient contract management process. Ensure contract delivery & application of negotiated conditions, with a focus on IT SLA.
• Support IT & Data in purchasing process on critical spend & supplier relationship management.

Relationship Management:

• Business Relationship Management: Develop strong relationships with global IT & Data teams & regional/local procurement. Able to assess IT & Data needs and recommend optimal sourcing solution.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Define and follow scorecard to monitor global supplier performance and drive continuous improvement plans. Animate suppliers’ performance with IT & Data; manage disputes. Drive innovation from supplier.

Procurement Financials:

• Lead cost optimization program on all sourcing categories in scope. Lead quarterly category review meetings with Finance and business partner.
• Track & monitor savings initiatives in collaboration with Finance business partner.
• Deliver cash improvements.

Reporting line

You will report to Betty DUBUS, Global Senior Sourcing Manager IT & Data Infrastructure.

About you

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Business, Engineering, or a technical discipline.
• Master’s degree in Procurement or a related field is considered an asset.
• Minimum 8 years of relevant IT sourcing experience, including at least 3 years in IT Infrastructure (e.g. cloud, networks, data centers, hardware, managed services).
• Strong negotiator, able to lead complex IT Infrastructure RFQ deals and agreements.
• Autonomy & agility to manage multiple initiatives/projects in parallel.
• Fluent in English.

Key competencies & skills:

• Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills to navigate complex organizational landscapes.
• Highly collaborative with the ability to work effectively with multiple teams and cultures, and to engage and challenge higher business stakeholders.
• Innovative and proactive in problem-solving and solution implementation.
• Strategic mindset and the ability to see the big picture.
• Strong collaborative and partnering mindset & business savviness.
• Forward and strategic thinker to influence user-centric design.
• Ability to influence stakeholders across seniority levels, to attract, mentor, and inspire talents.
• Ability to challenge the status quo and strive for continuous improvement.

About Danone

At Danone we are committed to our mission “bringing health, through food to as many people as possible”. Working together to make sure that our brands, like Hipro, Nutricia, Alpro, Activia, Nutrilon and Evian, create real benefits for people, communities and the planet. You will be part of one of the largest Certified B Corps™ in the world.

Cycles & Procurement is right at the heart of making the Danone vision One Planet. Through what and how we source, we shape the world in which we operate & we build the future for Danone. With our Cycles we protect and secure our key resources (Milk, Water and Plastic) & we take a strategic approach to Procurement to support the business and social agenda of Danone. We secure competitive, sustainable resources, seek innovative solutions, and partner up with suppliers aligned to our vision.

We offer:

All Danoners receive a complete package of benefits. This includes a competitive salary and yearly bonus, a premium free pension, 30 days of annual leave (with the opportunity to purchase more) and you will receive a monthly health care allowance. In addition, you can get discount on your gym membership, and we offer initiatives focused on nutrition, physical, and mental health. We provide continuous learning opportunities through workshops, online courses and training sessions.