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
The Role
The Global Head of Procurement & Strategic Sourcing is responsible for leading AB Enzymes' global procurement and sourcing organization, shaping a resilient and forward-looking supplier ecosystem, and building a high-performing procurement team. The role combines operational excellence with strategic sourcing, partnership development, and leadership contribution to senior decision-making. This Position is located in Darmstadt, Germany or Rajamäki, Finland.
Your Responsibilities:
* Lead, develop, and structure a high-performing global procurement and strategic sourcing organization across AB Enzymes, covering direct and indirect spend
* Define and execute an integrated procurement and sourcing strategy aligned with business priorities, growth objectives, and resilience requirements
* Lead end-to-end supplier management, including qualification, selection, negotiations, contracting, performance management, and strategic partnership development
* Develop and manage strategic supplier partnerships focused on long-term value creation, innovation, sustainability, and supply resilience
* Drive continuous improvement of procurement and sourcing processes, governance, and SAP-based workflows to ensure efficiency, transparency, and compliance
* Support Integrated Business Planning (IBP) to secure supply continuity, cost visibility, and effective risk mitigation
* Advance supplier-driven innovation, cost optimization, and risk management initiatives across all categories.
* Provide market, supplier, and cost-structure insights to support senior leadership decision-making.
* Build strong internal networks across functions and geographies, ensuring alignment between procurement, operations, R&D, finance, and legal.
* Shape organizational structures, capabilities, and talent succession to support current and future business needs, fostering a performance-driven and collaborative culture.
* Provide clear leadership, coaching, and strategic direction to the procurement and sourcing organization.
About You
* Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field
* 8+ years of experience in procurement/sourcing, including senior leadership roles
* Proven track record in global strategic sourcing and supplier relationship management
* Experience in international, matrix organizations
* Strong negotiation and contract management skills
* Deep understanding of procurement processes, tools, and SAP environments
* Experience with Integrated Business Planning (IBP) and supply chain processes
* Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional leadership skills
* Inspiring leader with the ability to build, develop, and empower teams
* Hands-on, solution-oriented, and results-driven mindset
* Fluent in English (additional languages are a plus)
* Willingness to travel
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.