Category Specialist (m/f/d) Chemicals & Packaging Procurement Europe (Fixed-Term Contract)

Category Specialist (m/f/d)

Location: Hamburg
Workplace Type: Hybrid

About the Role

The Category Specialist (m/f/d) is responsible for two key categories with a combined spend of ~10€ million covering manufacturing sites of Ingredion, KaTech Ingredient Solutions and toll manufacturers where applicable.

This role reports to the Director of Procurement for EMEA and is an 18‑month fixed‑term contract position.

What you will do

• Market Analysis – Monitoring of chemicals, enzymes and packaging space, market analysis like supply and demand trends, pricing, creating reports to key internal stakeholders (Procurement Lead Team, Leadership, Supply Chain, Sales).
• Category Management – Use insights from the market analysis to define the medium and long‑term sourcing strategy in relevant markets with the support of other functions (Quality, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Supply Chain). Optimize sourcing options, reduce cost and drive value.
• Sourcing of Chemicals & Packaging – Lead sourcing projects from start to finish including demand assessment, requesting quotes, offer evaluation, negotiation, contract drafting & closure, implementation in ERP systems, information of stakeholders, management of interna
• Supplier Relationship Management – Identify, evaluate and establish new suppliers as well as maintaining existing relationships. Manage day‑to‑day operations with vendors. Conduct quarterly business reviews together with relevant functions like Supply Chain, Quality, Manufacturing. Conduct supplier audits together with Quality.
• Cooperate with Global Category Management – Support and/or lead global projects in the relevant categories as needed.
• Budgeting – Provide details and work with the FP&A team to prepare the annual budget of your categories as well as regular updates throughout the year.

What you will bring

• (Bachelor) degree in supply chain, procurement, warehousing and foreign trade, business or comparable experience/education.
• Work experience in the categories chemicals, enzymes and packaging.
• Demonstrated experience in a supplier or customer interfacing role.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, both internally as well as externally.
• German and English fluency, both written and spoken.

Who you are

• Growth Mindset – proactive approach to learning and continuous improvement, ability to embrace challenges, adapt quickly to changing priorities, and seek opportunities for growth.
• Trusted Partnership Building – strong relationship‑building skills with ability to establish and maintain value‑driven partnerships internally and externally through transparency, reliability, and commitment to Ingredion's values.
• Attention to Detail – high level of accuracy across contract management, cost analysis and supplier interactions, ability to identify risks and opportunities early and take appropriate action.
• Strong Numerical & Analytical Skills – excellent analytical and financial acumen, including proficiency in MS Excel, Power BI and ERP systems such as SAP.
• Results Orientation – proactive, ownership‑driven approach to managing sourcing projects and developing category strategies in a fast‑paced environment.

Why Join Ingredion?

Discover why Ingredion is the ideal place to advance your career with our exceptional rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive. Create the future with us and enjoy:

• Flexible Work Arrangements – We value flexibility to support you both professionally and personally within a 37‑hour work week.
• Total Rewards Package – Competitive salary and performance‑based pay recognizing your contributions to our success.
• Generous Vacation Policy – Take advantage of 30 vacation days each year, plus two additional holidays on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
• Comprehensive Benefits & Wellness Support – Access health benefits, EGYM Wellpass Membership, savings plans and resources for your well‑being, plus perks like a Profi Ticket, free parking and secure bicycle accommodations.
• Career Growth – Learning, training and development opportunities.
• Employee Recognition Program – A culture of real‑time appreciation with personalized recognition rewards globally.
• Employee Referral Program – Refer top talent and earn a bonus if they're hired.
• Company Pension Plan – Secure your future with financial support for retire