Procurement Specialist

Job Description

Procurement Leadership Development Program | Kerry

The Tone:
This is a full-time, early career role within the Procurement Leadership Development Program at Kerry, a global leader in taste and nutrition for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. Kerry partners with customers to innovate and create great-tasting products, enhancing nutrition and functionality, all while working to ensure a better impact for the planet. The role is vital within the Procurement Team, which is responsible for effectively managing and overseeing all third-party spend for both direct and indirect materials and services across Kerry’s extensive global operations. Participants in this program will play a key part in achieving Kerry’s ambitious goal of reaching over 2 billion consumers with sustainable nutrition solutions by 2030, by ensuring optimal sourcing and contributing to sustainable practices.

The TL;DR
• Role: Early Career
• Type: Full-time
• Location: In-person
• Pay: $65000–$70000 yearly
• Team: Working within the Procurement Team, collaborating with Category Buyers
• Mission: To optimize third-party spend and supplier relationships, ensure high-quality sourcing, drive cost savings, and advance sustainability goals across global supply chains.
• Tech Stack: AI-enabled procurement and analytics tools, digital platforms, MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word

What You’ll Actually Do
• Market Analysis: Provide category and market insight by analyzing data to develop sourcing and supply plans, presentations, and market summaries for the business.
• Demand & Supply Coordination: Monitor usage and demand by coordinating with site supply chains, working with R&D to introduce new materials, and identifying potential new sources.
• Sourcing & Optimization: Work closely with category buyers to source high-quality materials and services at optimal prices using various tools, including tendering.
• Cost Savings & Negotiation: Jointly develop and execute cost savings pipelines, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier performance to meet quality and service requirements.
• Sustainability Support: Support buyers in achieving “Beyond the Horizon” sustainability goals, focusing on responsible sourcing, waste reduction, circular economy, and recyclable packaging.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited college or university in Supply Chain, Data Science, Business, Engineering, or Economics, with an expected graduation date between December 2026 and May 2027.
• Experience: No specific years of experience required.
• Skills: Problem-solving and analytical skills, advanced analytics skills (managing complex spreadsheets), ability to learn and utilize AI-based tools and digital platforms, strong interpersonal and communication skills, and excellent IT skills in MS Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Bonus: Experience utilizing AI tools in internship experiences is a plus; ability to travel up to 10% of the time.