Category Manager, Raw Materials
You don’t just manage raw materials – you manage our profit leverage. For us, raw materials are not merely an operational procurement issue. They determine our margins, security of supply and competitiveness. That’s why we’re not looking for a traditional Purchasing employee who simply manages orders. Instead, we’re looking for someone who takes responsibility for their product groups – strategically, with Analytics and clear implementation in day-to-day operations. You can expect a strategically important role with direct influence on profitability and security of supply, as well as high visibility within the company. You’ll independently shape and develop your product groups, liaising directly with relevant departments and management. 🚀
We can only consider applicants who are authorised to work in Switzerland (EU/EFTA). We only consider direct applications.
Permanent
100%
as of now
German
What we offer
You benefit from a 40-hour workweek, at least 25 days of annual leave, and a flexible working time model. In addition, you can choose how to split your working days between the office and mobile office.
Catering is very important to us, and the freshly prepared food served in our staff canteen is evidence of this for our employees.
Benefit from convenient public transport connections and ample parking facilities – for sustainable and carefree travelling.
Expand your knowledge with extensive training programmes, high-quality courses at the Coop Training Centre and a wide range of personal development opportunities such as mentoring and coaching.
Your well-being is important to us: Benefit from our health-supporting offers and exclusive employee discounts with the Coop employee discount card.
Secure your future with our exceptionally generous pension scheme, receive anniversary bonuses and attractive rewards for employee referrals. You will also receive the Coop employee discount card and we will pay two-thirds of your pension fund contributions.
Organise your working hours flexibly with part-time models and experience an inclusive working environment where diversity is valued and encouraged.
Experience unforgettable moments at our company events and help to strengthen the team spirit at the company's own sports club – celebrate, exercise and socialise together.
Your tasks
- You will develop and implement category strategies for key agricultural commodities – with a focus on results, security of supply and long-term competitiveness
- You analyse markets, prices, harvests, weather trends, availability and global cycles, and use this analysis to devise specific procurement measures
- You will identify potential savings, risks and opportunities within your categories and consistently implement appropriate measures
- You plan and manage tenders – from market analysis through supplier selection and negotiations to the conclusion of contracts
- You will conduct negotiations independently with national and international suppliers and build robust business relationships
- You develop supplier strategies and ensure a stable, competitive and sustainable supply chain
- You make well-informed decisions on timing and procurement – not only based on internal requirements, but also taking into account market cycles and the supply situation
- You will work closely with Supply Chain, R&D, Quality, Production and Finance, translating their requirements into clear procurement decisions
- You prepare market, pricing and decision-making briefings for relevant stakeholders and management
- You translate your strategies into concrete contracts, robust supplier performance and measurable results
- You continuously monitor developments in your markets and respond promptly to changes, risks and opportunities
- You bring structure to complex procurement situations and ensure clear processes, accurate documentation and consistent implementation
What you bring with you
- Several years’ experience in strategic purchasing, category management or commodity management
- Ideally, experience in Purchasing of raw materials, agricultural commodities or similarly volatile product groups
- A strong understanding of the market – you think in terms of harvests, cycles, availability and risks, not just prices
- Experience in developing and implementing product group and supplier strategies
- Confidence in negotiating with national and international suppliers
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate complex information into clear decisions
- An independent, structured and consistent approach to work
- Confidence in dealing with different stakeholders and conflicting objectives
- Very good written and spoken German and English
Any more questions?
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We are proud of this
This is what our application process looks like:
Thank you for your application! We have received your documents and will get back to you as soon as possible.
We would like to get to know you and your motivation better in the first introductory meeting – let us have a relaxed chat and find out together whether we are a good match.
In the second interview, we will get to know each other better and talk about your skills and the next steps at our company – we look forward to continuing our dialogue with you. For some positions, an assessment may still be required - if this is the case, you will be informed in good time.
Congratulations, you have won us over and we you! We are now finalising the process and look forward to welcoming you to our team soon.
