Group Manager Category Plastics (Flexible & Rigid) (F/M/X)

The Bel Group is a major player in the food industry through portions of dairy, fruit and plant-based products, and one of the world leaders in branded cheeses. Its portfolio of differentiated and internationally recognized brands includes The Laughing Cow®, Kiri®, Babybel®, Boursin® Nurishh®, Pom'Potes® and GoGo squeeZ®, as well as some 30 local brands. Together, these brands helped the Group generate sales of €3.74 billion in 2024.

Do you want to join a company with strong brands that puts consumers and responsibility at the heart of the decision-making process? Then Bel is made for you!

Are you bold, pragmatic, and determined? Do you want to contribute to the transformation of an international agri-food company? Them come join us and measure the impact of your talent and energy in realizing an ambitious and sustainable company project!

#IWorkForAllForGood

Your Mission

As Group Manager Category Plastics (Flexible & Rigid), you will define and execute the global sourcing strategy for plastic packaging materials used across Bel’s food product portfolio, with a strong focus on sustainability transformation.

You will act as a key driver of Bel’s sustainable packaging roadmap, ensuring that environmental ambitions are translated into concrete sourcing decisions, supplier engagement, and industrially viable solutions, while guaranteeing food safety, security of supply, cost competitiveness, and regulatory compliance.

You will also be responsible for Plastic Caps (Materne) global category direct management.

Key Responsibilities

Sustainable Global Category Strategy

Define, deploy, and continuously improve the global category strategy for plastic packaging (flexible films, rigid plastics, containers, lids), fully aligned with Bel’s sustainability objectives.
Integrate eco‑design, recyclability, recycled content, material reduction, and circular economy principles into category strategies and sourcing decisions.
Monitor market trends, raw material price evolution, regulatory developments (food contact, recyclability, EPR, plastics regulation), and supplier capabilities to anticipate risks and opportunities.
Lead global sourcing initiatives, RFQs, and contract negotiations, balancing environmental impact, cost performance, industrial feasibility, and supply reliability.
Drive standardization and leverage global synergies to accelerate sustainable solutions while respecting local business constraints.

Supplier Partnership & Responsible Sourcing

Build long‑term, value‑driven partnerships with strategic suppliers committed to sustainability, innovation, and responsible practices.
Actively engage suppliers on sustainability roadmaps, including recycled and bio‑based materials, carbon footprint reduction, transparency, and continuous improvement.
Manage and optimize the supplier panel through performance management, risk assessment, compliance, and development plans.
Ensure full alignment with Bel’s standards on food safety, quality, ethics, and responsible sourcing.

Sustainability & Innovation Leadership

Act as a key contributor to Bel’s sustainable packaging transformation by scouting new materials, technologies, and innovative suppliers.
Support cross‑functional innovation projects in close collaboration with R&D, Sustainability, Quality, Operations, and Marketing.
Translate sustainability ambitions into scalable, industrialized solutions, balancing environmental benefits with operational and financial constraints.
Contribute to the measurement and monitoring of environmental performance indicators related to packaging materials.

Team Leadership & Capability Building

Lead, coach, and develop two buyers, building strong expertise in sustainable sourcing, supplier management, and category analytics.
Embed sustainability criteria into objectives, sourcing practices, and decision‑making processes.
Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high‑performance team culture.

Performance, Governance & Reporting

Define and monitor category KPIs covering cost savings, service level, supplier performance, risk management, and sustainability progress.
Prepare and present category strategies and sustainability progress to senior management.
Contribute to the continuous improvement of procurement processes, governance, and tools in support of Bel’s sustainability ambitions.

Your Profile

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
10 years of experience in procurement or category management, ideally in plastics, packaging, food industry, cosmetics, pharmaceutical.
Proven experience in strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, and cost management within complex, international environments.
First experience in people management and a strong motivation to develop leadership skills.

Skills & Competencies

Demonstrated leadership, proven experience in driving change and empowering others by setting clear vision and goals. Capable of motivating and developing team members, promoting accountability, and nurturing talent within a matrix organization.
Strategic, analytical, and pragmatic mindset with strong negotiation capabilities.
Solid awareness of sustainability challenges in packaging, including recyclability, circularity, and environmental impact.
Ability to manage complexity and influence stakeholders in a matrix organization.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Fluent in English; additional languages are a plus.

Why Join Bel?

A high‑impact, global role at the heart of Bel’s sustainable packaging transformation.
The opportunity to shape sourcing strategies that directly contribute to environmental and societal objectives.
A purpose‑driven, collaborative culture within a leading international food group.
Strong professional development opportunities within a global procurement organization.

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