Senior Strategic Buyer (m/f/d)

We are the world market leader for reusable packaging containers (RPCs) for fresh food and are constantly optimizing our products.

We help make the food supply cycle for the population more sustainable. With our RPCs, safety for food transport is improved, there is less waste of food and at the same time the lifespan of the products increases. Through our products and the need for less packaging materials we reduce the carbon footprint.

„The future is circular“

Key responsibilities:

• Global Sourcing & Category Strategy – Develop and drive global sourcing strategies and category roadmaps aligned with cost, risk, scalability, and ESG objectives across regions.
• Supplier Lifecycle Ownership – Manage the end‑to‑end supplier lifecycle, from market intelligence and sourcing events to negotiations, contracting, and ongoing relationship management.
• Supplier Performance & Capacity – Own global supplier performance and capacity management, ensuring transparency, reliability, and proactive risk mitigation in collaboration with regional teams.
• Commercial & Contract Management – Lead complex global and regional negotiations and ensure robust, well‑structured supply agreements in close partnership with Finance and Legal.
• Commodity & Materials Intelligence – Leverage commodity insights to inform sourcing decisions, timing strategies, and scenario analyses, translating market data into clear leadership recommendations.
• NPD, Quality & Mould Management – Support new product introductions and ensure effective mould lifecycle management through early supplier engagement and clear accountability.
• Cross‑Functional Partnership – Act as a trusted procurement partner to Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance, and regional stakeholders.
• Senior Stakeholder Engagement – Prepare and present clear, data‑driven insights and recommendations tailored to senior and executive audiences.

We expect:

• Relevant Experience – Extensive experience in global sourcing, category management, or strategic procurement within complex, international environments.
• Manufactured Products Expertise – Strong background in sourcing manufactured and asset‑intensive products, such as injection‑moulded products or industrial components.
• Supplier Lifecycle Ownership – Proven end‑to‑end responsibility for supplier identification, qualification, onboarding, contracting, and ongoing performance management.
• Supplier Governance – Hands‑on experience building and operating structured supplier governance models, including KPIs, segmentation, reviews, and escalation mechanisms.
• Commercial & Analytical Strength – Demonstrated success in negotiations and cost modelling, with the ability to assess capacity, risk, and demand and translate insights into sound business decisions.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration – Strong track record of working closely with Engineering, NPD, Quality, Supply Chain, Planning, and Finance across regions.
• Ways of Working – Proactive, solutions‑oriented mindset with a high sense of ownership and the ability to bring structure to ambiguous situations and drive execution.
• Communication & Languages – Fluent English with the ability to influence senior stakeholders through clear, structured communication; additional languages such as German, Spanish, Italian, or French are an advantage.

We offer:

• Make a difference where it matters – Play a key role in a sustainable and future-proof industry.
• A culture of appreciation and respect – Join an international team where collaboration thrives.
• Flat hierarchies, fast decisions – Your ideas matter and drive real change.
• Work your way – Enjoy hybrid work and workation options.
• Delicious & healthy meals – Weekly changing menus from our online canteen Bella & Bona, subsidized by IFCO.
• Unlimited learning opportunities – Access to unlimited LinkedIn Learning.
• Support when you need it – Our Employee Support Program.
• Modern office – open office spaces, modern and digital devices.
• Boost your energy – Free beverages and a modern fitness centre to keep you going.
• Car parking and seamless transport connections – Enjoy underground parking with charging stations and a train station (S7) right next to our door.

At IFCO, we believe that a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace makes us a more relevant, more competitive, and more resilient company. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and experiences. IFCO is an equal opportunity employer.

We are looking forward to receiving your application.