Overview Manager – Direct Sourcing (Raw Materials) | Global Category Management – India Location: Bangalore, IndiaFunction: Global Product SourcingExperience: 10+ years | Individual Contributor + People LeaderIndustry Exposure: Nutrition, FMCG, Food Ingredients, Pharma, Chemicals (preferred) Why This Role Matters This is a strategic, high‑impact category leadership role within a newly rebranded Global Product Sourcing organization. You will own regional direct spend categories across Flavours, Coatings, Food Chemicals, Vitamins, Minerals, Botanicals, and more — acting as the regional expert and decision driver for India. You’ll influence cost, innovation, supply continuity, compliance, and supplier capability, while partnering closely with R&D, Quality, Tech Ops, Regulatory, and Marketing teams globally. What You’ll Own As Manager – Direct Sourcing (Raw Materials), you will: • Lead end‑to‑end category management for key raw material categories across India • Drive minimum 5% YoY cost savings / cost avoidance through HMM, localization, dual sourcing, and innovation • Be the single point of contact for supplier strategy, pricing, contracting, and long‑term agreements (OTIF‑based) • Partner deeply with R&D and Flavour Houses on cost‑effective, innovative flavour and ingredient solutions • Lead supplier innovation days, technology scouting, and site audits • Develop and execute multi‑year category strategies aligned to global objectives • Own supplier performance management (SRM), QBRs/HBRs, scorecards, and supplier development • Drive risk mitigation plans (capacity expansion to 200%, localization, forward cover) • Ensure FSSAI compliance in partnership with GRA and Quality teams • Publish category dashboards and present insights to regional and global leadership • Coach and develop 1–2 analysts in a matrix structure What We’re Looking For Must‑Have Expertise • 10+ years of procurement / sourcing experience • Minimum 7 years in Category Management or Strategic Sourcing • Strong exposure to raw materials / ingredients / direct spend • Proven track record of cost savings, supplier negotiations, and SRM • Experience influencing stakeholders in a matrix, global environment • Excellent contract negotiation and commercial acumen Core Skills • Strategic sourcing & category planning • Supplier innovation & cost transformation • Contracting, risk mitigation & compliance • Strong analytical, stakeholder management & executive presence • Global mindset with cultural sensitivity Education • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, Accounting, or related field What Makes This Team Special • Part of a 50+ member global sourcing network • True global category ownership, not transactional buying • Strong focus on innovation, scale, and value creation • Opportunity to shape next‑generation sourcing strategies globally • High visibility role with cross‑functional and senior leadership exposure Interested? If you thrive at the intersection of strategy, innovation, and execution, and enjoy building strong supplier ecosystems while delivering measurable business value, we’d love to connect. Apply or refer someone who can make a global impact from India.