The Category Lead Raw Materials LATAM is responsible for leading procurement activities across multiple raw material categories for Henkel Consumer Brands in Latin America, ensuring alignment with regional and global category strategies. The role drives value creation through strategic sourcing, supplier portfolio management, cost optimization, risk mitigation, and transformation initiatives across the end-to-end supply chain.
This position plays a key role in initiatives such as portfolio simplification, supplier scouting in LATAM, make-or-buy decisions, and vertical integration projects. It requires strong commercial acumen, analytical capabilities, and the ability to influence stakeholders across functions and geographies. The role includes managerial oversight of one intern and indirect leadership of cross-functional workstreams.
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Develop and execute sourcing strategies for assigned raw material categories in alignment with regional and global procurement objectives.
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Lead supplier selection, tendering, negotiation, and contracting processes.
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Identify and implement opportunities for portfolio simplification and supplier optimization.
Cost & Value Optimization
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Drive cost savings and value creation through Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) methodologies.
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Analyze market trends, cost drivers, and supply-demand dynamics to support strategic decisions.
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Support budgeting and forecasting activities related to procurement categories.
Supplier Management & Partnership Development
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Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers across LATAM and globally.
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Evaluate supplier performance, capabilities, and innovation potential.
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Lead supplier scouting initiatives to identify new sources of supply and enhance competitiveness.
Risk Management & Business Continuity
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Identify and mitigate supply, commercial, and operational risks.
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Develop contingency plans and ensure business continuity for critical raw materials.
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Collaborate with Quality, Supply Chain, and R&D teams on risk assessment and resolution.
Transformation & Strategic Projects
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Lead procurement workstreams for transformation initiatives such as:
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Make-or-buy analyses
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Vertical integration assessments
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Footprint and sourcing network design
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Procurement process improvements
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Contribute to regional and global procurement governance and best-practice sharing.
Stakeholder Management & Leadership
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Partner with cross-functional teams including Supply Chain, Manufacturing, R&D, Finance, and Marketing.
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Influence decision-making through data-driven recommendations and strong business cases.
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Provide guidance and coaching to one intern and coordinate activities across indirect project teams.
- Bachelor’s degree in Purchasing, Supply Chain, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
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8 years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or category management, preferably in raw materials and FMCG/Consumer Goods.
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Experience in regional or international procurement environments is preferred.
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Advanced knowledge of SAP and Microsoft Office.
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Strong analytical, negotiation, and commercial skills.
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Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence stakeholders without direct authority.
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Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
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Fluent in Spanish and English; Portuguese is a plus.
- Flexible work scheme with flexible hours, hybrid work model, and work from anywhere policy for up to 30 days per year
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Diverse national and international growth opportunities
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Global wellbeing standards with health and preventive care programs
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Gender-neutral parental leave for a minimum of 8 weeks
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Employee Share Plan with voluntary investment and Henkel matching shares
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Flexible Benefits
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Meal vouchers
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Savings fund
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Friday early finish
At Henkel, we come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe the uniqueness of all our employees is the power in us. Become part of the team and bring your uniqueness to us! We welcome all applications across different genders, origins, cultures, religions, sexual orientations, disabilities, and generations.
