Direct Procurement Manager (m/f/d)

You want to do more than manage purchase orders — you want to own category strategy, lead supplier negotiations, and directly impact the P&L? Then take ownership of direct materials sourcing for an international niche world leader. Salary: €90,000 – 120,000 / year, depending on experience | Permanent | Immediate start | Bexbach Why join us? • 🎯 Strategic ownership: you own your categories globally, not just execute someone else's sourcing plan • 📊 Direct influence on P&L through savings, cost modeling, and supplier negotiations • 🏭 Hands-on role combined with strategic scope — close to sites, not just headquarters theory • 🏡 Hybrid working possible where travel and supplier meetings allow [please confirm extent] • 🎉 28 days of vacation, plus Rosenmontag, Christmas Eve, and New Year's Eve automatically off About us – in brief Headquartered in Bexbach, KD Pharma Group is a mid-sized, internationally active company and one of the world's few manufacturers of Omega-3 concentrates with a purity of up to 99.5% – built on a sole focus on Omega-3 fatty acid research and technology development. Aufgaben • Lead sourcing, negotiation, and contracting for direct materials (raw materials, packaging, components) to achieve savings, quality, and supply continuity • Own assigned categories globally: develop sourcing strategies, benchmark markets, and drive competitive positioning • Lead supplier business reviews and category meetings, ensuring alignment across Procurement, Technical, and Operations • Identify and qualify new suppliers to enhance competitiveness and reduce supply risk • Lead complex supplier negotiations leveraging cost breakdowns, volume leverage, and market trends • Develop and execute negotiation playbooks with the Strategic Sourcing Specialist • Manage long-term agreements, payment terms, and escalation clauses in line with group governance • Build and maintain cost models, track raw material indices, and perform variance analysis • Analyze supplier quotations, freight trends, and payment terms to determine total cost of ownership (TCO) • Maintain and improve supplier relationships through structured performance reviews and scorecards • Partner with QA/Technical teams to resolve non-conformances and ensure preventive actions • Lead cross-functional alignment on material specifications, MOQ rationalization, and cost-saving projects • Act as mentor and point of escalation for sourcing or supplier-related issues within the Procurement team Qualifikation Must-have • Bachelor's degree and 5–10 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain management in a manufacturing or regulated environment (pharma, nutraceutical, or chemical industry preferred) • Proven expertise in negotiation and contract management for raw materials, packaging, and services • Demonstrated experience in vendor qualification programs and supplier audits • Strong analytical and financial skills (cost modeling, spend analysis, TCO evaluation) • Strong understanding of cGMP and quality management requirements • Proficiency with ERP systems (SAP, NAV, Business Central) and advanced Excel/Power BI skills • Effective written and verbal communication skills in English Nice-to-have • Certifications such as CSCP, MCIPS, or equivalent • Formal training in negotiation or strategic sourcing • Excellent project management, planning, and organizational skills • High level of initiative, autonomy, and accountability in delivering business results Benefits Your benefits • A varied role in an innovative company with flat hierarchies and short decision-making paths • Hybrid working possible where travel and supplier meetings allow • 28 days of vacation, plus Rosenmontag, Christmas Eve, and New Year's Eve automatically off • Individual career and development opportunities in an internationally operating company • Competitive compensation with Christmas and vacation bonuses • Company pension scheme • Free water and coffee • Company products at employee prices • Regular team events What happens next 📍 Bexbach | 📅 Immediate start | ⏳ Full-time Send us your application, no need for a perfectly polished cover letter. We'll get back to you promptly. 🚀