Category Manager Chemicals & Biotechnology (m/f/d)

About Us

AB Enzymes, as a subsidiary of Associated British Foods, is a leading company in the innovation and production of enzymes worldwide. Operating in the biotechnology industry we are an important partner for customers in the application of food, animal feed and industrial enzymes. With our expertise in the global enzymes business, we help our customers to make their industrial processes more sustainable, environmentally friendly and efficient. Product excellence and innovation are among our key strengths while our passion for science and customer-focused solutions is what drives us.

Our global headquarters are in Darmstadt, Germany with offices and lab spaces. Our manufacturing site is located in Finland (north of Helsinki) where our enzymes are being produced and researched. We are striving to leverage our strong growth prospects, state-of-the-art R&D, flat structure, and a thriving and employee-focused culture to bring on board talents who are motivated to contribute to our collective success, develop themselves, and want to make a real difference. For more information visit our website www.abenzymes.com.

The Role

As a Category Buyer Chemicals & Biotechnology, you will be responsible for sourcing and managing chemicals, biotechnology-related materials, and services that are critical to our operations and business growth. Working closely with suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders, you will ensure supply continuity, optimize costs, and support the development of a resilient and future-focused supply base.

Your Responsibilities:

• Manage procurement activities for assigned categories within chemicals, biotechnology-related materials, and services


• Ensure reliable supply and material availability while balancing cost, quality, and risk considerations


• Identify and develop suppliers in line with business, quality, and compliance requirements, while creating strong strategic supplier relationships that drive long-term value creation


• Lead supplier negotiations and support the development and management of contracts and commercial agreements


• 
  
  Monitor supplier performance and drive continuous improvement, risk management, business continuity, and sustainability initiatives
  
  


• Support strategic sourcing and category initiatives by providing market intelligence and supplier insights


• Collaborate closely with stakeholders across Supply Chain, Production, Quality, R&D, Regulatory Affairs, and Demand Planning to understand business requirements and sourcing needs


• Drive process improvements and digitalization initiatives to enhance procurement efficiency

About You

• Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Food Technology, Life Sciences, or a related field


• Several years of experience in Procurement, Purchasing, Category Buying, or Strategic Sourcing within the chemical, biotechnology, life sciences, food ingredients, pharmaceutical, or related industries


• Experience sourcing chemicals, raw materials, biotechnology-related or chemical products, ingredients, or technical manufacturing services


• Strong supplier relationship management and negotiation skills


• Good understanding of procurement processes and ERP systems, preferably SAP


• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills


• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint


• Fluent German and English language skills


• A proactive, solution-oriented, and collaborative mindset

Why Us

• An opportunity in an exciting and growing industry with business development prospects which are based on a future proof & sustainable technology


• An international working environment with the chance to further develop yourself personally and professionally


• A challenging and multifaceted employment opportunity with long-term perspective in a fast-growing leading company in the enzyme industry


• A progressive, team-oriented management which supports you through open communication and accessibility


• A modern, creative and innovative company that achieves success through its people


• You will find a collaborative and open-minded culture, flat hierarchies and a ‘people first’ attitude


• Future career opportunities through our ABF network


• The possibility to mobile working

We value diversity and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, disability, age as well as sexual orientation and identity.

If you are interested in this position, we look forward to receiving your application together with your salary expectations.