Procurement External Manufacturing Specialist

Procurement External Manufacturing SpecialistJoin to apply for the Procurement External Manufacturing Specialist role at Kraft Heinz.ObjectiveThe Procurement External Manufacturing Specialist plays a key role in enabling business scalability, innovation, and supply continuity by strategically managing the sourcing of finished goods and manufacturing services through a network of approved external partners.This position is also responsible for developing a robust portfolio of alternative suppliers to support business growth, mitigate risks, and unlock innovation opportunities.Job DescriptionIdentify and Evaluate External Manufacturing suppliers : Conduct market research to identify potential partners, assess their capabilities, quality standards, track records, and compliance with industry regulations.Vendor Selection and Negotiation : Collaborate with cross-functional teams (quality assurance, regulatory, legal, and finance) to evaluate potential partners and negotiate volume, contract terms, pricing, delivery timelines, quality control, and service level agreements to secure favourable deals for the company.Supplier Relationship Management : Foster strong, long-term relationships with partners by providing clear communication, addressing concerns, and facilitating collaboration; monitor supplier performance to ensure adherence to contractual obligations, quality standards, and ethical conduct.Contract Management : Oversee the preparation, review, and execution of contracts with suppliers, working closely with legal teams to meet all legal and compliance requirements.Cost Optimization : Continuously analyse procurement processes, market trends, and supplier performance to identify cost-saving opportunities, drive efficiency, and achieve cost optimization goals.Supply Chain Management : Coordinate closely with the supply chain team to align procurement activities with production schedules, inventory management, and demand forecasts, maintaining accurate records of procurement activities and contracts.Risk Management : Mitigate supply risks by diversifying the supplier base and implementing robust contingency planning.Quality Assurance : Collaborate with quality assurance teams to define and enforce quality control standards; monitor and evaluate external manufacturer performance against quality metrics.Strategy : Align global teams with the local procurement team and KHC to support innovation and strategic plans, building a strategic agenda and setting up categories' strategy and sourcing plan for growth in Mexico.Innovation Enablement : Act as a catalyst for innovation by identifying external capabilities that support new product development and speed-to-market.ActivitiesDevelop and execute sourcing strategies for external manufacturing partners to ensure supply continuity, cost efficiency, and scalability.Identify, evaluate, and onboard alternative external manufacturers to support innovation, risk mitigation, and business continuity.Lead contract negotiations and manage supplier agreements, ensuring compliance with legal, quality, and service-level requirements.Monitor and manage supplier performance, fostering long-term relationships and driving continuous improvement.Collaborate cross-functionally with Quality, R&D, Supply Chain, and Finance to align external manufacturing activities with product and business requirements.Knowledge & ExperienceMinimum 3 years of experience in Procurement and Supply Chain, with at least 2 years focused on external manufacturing or co-manufacturing.Bachelor's degree in engineering, economics, supply chain management, business administration, or a related field.Business fluency in Spanish and English.Strong knowledge of finished goods sourcing, external manufacturing models, and supply chain operations / management.Proven experience in contract negotiation, supplier evaluation, and relationship management.Proficiency in SAP, Ariba, and advanced Excel.Excellent communication skills across organizational levels.Strong organizational and prioritization abilities.Analytical and strategic mindset with a focus on execution.Effective interpersonal skills and ability to influence stakeholders.Ability to operate in fast-paced environments with multiple priorities.Resilient, process-oriented, and skilled in creative problem-solving.Capable of managing multiple projects with varying complexity.Demonstrated ability to build relationships and influence decisions internally and externally, regionally and globally.LocationMexico, D.F.Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups / Women / Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity and other protected classes.#J-*****-Ljbffr