Location: Monterrey/Linares, MX

Department: Procurement

Employment Type: Full-Time

About Ferrara:

Ferrara is an undisputed leader in sugar confections, home to iconic and emerging brands such as Trolli®, BRACH'S®, NERDS®, SweeTARTS®, and Lemonhead®. With more than 4,500 employees and 15 North American locations, we are on a mission to become the global leader in sugar confections—sharing delight in every bite. Through innovation, brand-building, and operational excellence, we're redefining what it means to lead in the category we've helped shape for more than 100 years.

Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and collaborative Senior Category Manager, Indirect Procurement to lead sourcing strategy and supplier management for key indirect categories in Mexico. Reporting to the Senior Director of Indirect Procurement, this role will oversee categories that may include MRO, Facilities, CapEx, Utilities, Waste Management, Uniforms, Packaging Services, and Professional Services—supporting Ferrara's manufacturing and office locations in Mexico.

You will be responsible for developing category strategies, managing sourcing events, leading negotiations, reviewing contracts and partnering with stakeholders across Engineering, Finance, Operations, and Supply Chain to deliver measurable value to the business.

Key Responsibilities:

Category Management & Strategic Sourcing

• Develop and execute multi-year category strategies that align with Ferrara's operational and financial goals.
• Manage the full sourcing process: data analysis, supplier discovery, RFI/RFP development, supplier evaluation, negotiation, and contracting.
• Conduct total cost of ownership (TCO) assessments and supplier segmentation to guide sourcing decisions.
• Partner with Legal to finalize Master Service Agreements (MSAs), Statements of Work (SOWs), and other supplier contracts.

Value Creation

• Deliver annual savings and value targets through sourcing strategies, supplier consolidation, and commercial innovation.
• Identify and drive opportunities to improve cost, service levels, payment terms, and sustainability outcomes across indirect categories.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partner with key stakeholders including Engineering, Plant Operations, IT, HR, Finance and others to understand business needs and co-develop sourcing plans.
• Serve as the primary procurement point of contact for indirect sourcing requests, projects, and escalations.
• Build trust and credibility through responsive service, strong communication, and value-added support.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Manage supplier performance, including service level adherence, issue resolution, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct business reviews with key suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment and transparency.
• Support Ferrara's commitments to supplier diversity, ESG, and ethical sourcing practices.

Process & System Support

• Collaborate with the Procurement Center of Excellence and Procurement Service Center teams to ensure efficient sourcing operations and data accuracy in SAP S/4HANA and Ariba.
• Identify and implement improvements in sourcing processes, contract management, and spend visibility.
• Contribute to Procurement's digital transformation by championing the use of procurement technology and data analytics.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Finance, or related field required.
• Advanced degree or professional certification (e.g., CPSM, PMP, Lean Six Sigma) preferred.

Experience:

• 7+ years of experience in strategic sourcing or category management, with a focus on indirect procurement.
• Experience supporting multi-site manufacturing or operations preferred.
• Proven success in leading sourcing initiatives, negotiating contracts, and managing cross-functional projects.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong procurement and contract management knowledge, with understanding of commercial and legal terms.
• Ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships across functions and levels.
• High degree of financial acumen, data analysis capability, and business case development.
• Effective communicator and influencer, capable of presenting to senior leadership.
• Proficiency with SAP, SAP Ariba, and Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel and PowerPoint.