Manager, External Manufacturing - Meat, Cheese, and Coffee

You’ll be the key procurement stakeholder behind Lunchables and other iconic Kraft Heinz brands. You’ll own the sourcing strategy for ~$350M USD of spend, build high-impact supplier partnerships, and negotiate contracts that deliver cost, quality and innovation so families find great meals on shelves.

This role will report into the Group Lead, External Manufacturing – Meat, Cheese, Coffee and Snacking and interact closely with the cross-functional Business Unit teams.

Primary Responsibilities

• Define and execute category sourcing strategy by monitoring market trends, conducting category reviews, and leveraging supplier capabilities.

• Lead supplier negotiations and contract management to secure best commercial terms without compromising quality or service.

• Own category P&L planning: annual operating plan, forecasts, and periodic updates.

• Ensure supply security and contingency plans to meet current volumes and future growth needs.

• Build and manage strategic supplier relationships — drive continuous improvement, innovation, and performance accountability.

• Identify, assess and onboard new external manufacturing partners (financial, quality, manufacturing feasibility).

• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders (Quality, R&D, Operations, Marketing, Sales, Legal) to commercialize new products and optimize total cost of ownership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations, Supply Chain, Economics, Finance or related field preferred.
• Min 5 years of work experience in Procurement (e.g. EM, Indirect, Capex, Ingredients, Packaging) and Operations-related roles. Project management experience is also desired.
• Strong strategic sourcing experience and comfort with complex financial analysis.
• Demonstrated negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
• Familiar with commercial terms and contract components; experience negotiating agreements
• Highly proficient in Excel and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge or experience in food or beverage manufacturing process preferred.
• Effective at establishing trust and building effective business relationships and getting things done through others.

What You’ll Love

• You’ll thrive in this role if you’re excited by building supplier partnerships, leading complex negotiations, and driving innovation in an agile environment that values ownership and creativity.
• Driving significant value through navigating ambiguous situations in a complex category.
• Collaborating with and influencing others to accomplish a shared goal.

Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.

New Hire Base Salary Range:

$102,100.00 – $127,600.00

Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.

The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors

Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

• Physical – Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments

• Social – Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training

• Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs

• Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)

Chicago/Aon Center

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.