Purchasing Category Lead

McDonald’s is one of the world’s leading global brands, operating a highly complex and integrated supply chain to support its global operations.

McDonald’s is now looking to appoint a Purchasing Category Lead based in Istanbul .

Reporting to the Strategic Sourcing Manager, this role is responsible for ensuring the operational continuity of assigned categories, while managing overall purchasing activities within the defined scope.

What You Will Do at McDonald’s

Purchasing & Supplier Management

• Take executive ownership of local and import purchasing activities
• Manage purchase contracts for local purchases (OpEx / CapEx)
• Maintain frequent on-site presence across plants within the assigned perimeter
• Lead sourcing of new suppliers and conduct high-level contract negotiations
• Propose, drive and manage local purchasing initiatives
• Monitor supplier performance, KPIs, and audits
• Deliver reporting and analysis, including data capture and close collaboration with Finance to track financial performance against targets
• Collaborate closely with logistics operations and cross-functional teams
• Work in close coordination with global and regional category leads
• Ensure full compliance with McDonald’s global purchasing strategy, standards and policies
• Organize and coordinate local supplier trials (global / regional / local)

Playing an Active Role in Continuous Improvement

• Collect, anticipate and optimize local purchasing requirements in terms of volume and specifications
• Ensure internal stakeholder satisfaction with purchasing performance
• Act as the primary point of contact for all purchase requests within scope
• Lead supplier quality management in coordination with Quality and Logistics Operations

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Minimum 5–10 years of relevant purchasing experience, preferably in a production or multinational environment
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Economics, or a related field
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (advanced level)
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, interpersonal, planning, and stakeholder management skills
• Highly motivated, proactive and strategic mindset with a strong drive for change
• Strong negotiation skills and effective communication, both internally and externally
• Ability to maintain a global perspective and align business needs with purchasing strategy
• Confident, accountable and results-oriented decision-maker
• Proficiency in Google tools, MS Office and ERP systems
• Ability to quickly understand technical and industrial aspects of managed categories
• Strong understanding of the full procurement cycle
• Ability to develop and implement effective purchasing methods and tools

*Only candidates who meet the above requirements will be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.