Continental Bakeries (CB) is a European bakery group specialized in the development, production and sales of biscuits, confectionery, bread replacements and toast. The focus is on private label products and a number of great own brands such as Haust, Gille, Grabower, Bussink, Brinky and Continental Bakeries. CB is based in Dordrecht and has fifteen ‘Production Centres of Excellence’ in 5 European countries staffed by a total of 2,500 employees. All the production facilities are certified in accordance with IFS and BRC standards. CB generates annual revenues of approximately
€ 400 m.
CB focuses on the consumer and the business-to-business market. The company exports its products worldwide with Western Europe being the most important market (in particular Germany, Sweden, France and the Benelux). Within the different product groups, Continental Bakeries has a strong position in Europe, boasting a number 1 or 2 position in most countries, and with particularly strong positions in rice wafers, spiced and shortcake biscuits, toast and wafers.
Continental Bakeries has a rich history that goes back to the 16th century. In 1593, Jacob Bussink started his bakery in Deventer, specializing in Deventer cake. Since then, various takeovers and mergers over the centuries have resulted in the Continental Bakeries of today. The core values of the company are; high supply reliability, continuous high quality, a high level of certification, smart innovations and short development processes. Hand in hand with its growth ambition is the strong belief to further increase sustainability and consequently the nutritional value of products, thus contributing to a healthier lifestyle. In particular, Continental Bakeries (CB) orientates itself towards having close cooperation with the most important suppliers and packaging technologists that give extra consideration for sustainability.
In June 2016, due to a strong belief in its growth potential, Continental Bakeries was acquired by Goldman Sachs. They, together with the management, have defined a new strategy to further strengthen and professionalize the entire organization in the coming years, with a strong focus on growth. In line with this strategy, CB has decided to design a ‘best practice procurement organization’ with a focus on efficiency and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) reductions.
For more information about products, brands, and the history of the company, visit: www.continentalbakeries.com
Future Procurement Organization
The centralised Procurement team located in Dordrecht is building a new ‘best practice Procurement organization’. A category-based organization structure with 3 strategic Procurement Managers for the crucial categories ‘Packaging Materials’, ‘Non-Product Related (NPR)’ and ‘Raw Materials’, reporting directly to the CPO. The total spend that is managed by the Procurement team is approximately € 250 m.
Position
Procurement Manager Packaging Materials
The Procurement Manager Packaging Materials will be responsible for the ‘Packaging Materials’ category (a.o. flexibles, corrugated and folding cartons) across Europe. He or she will lead purchasing and supply management activities for this category and will work closely with key stakeholders to develop effective cost reduction strategies and implementation plans. They are a business partner who translates business and strategic objectives to procurement objectives and actions.
The Procurement Manager reports directly to the CPO and has a Strategic Purchaser reporting to him/her.
Key responsibilities
- Leads purchasing and supply management activities for multiple areas of spend within the ‘Packaging Materials’ category
- Develops and implements the packaging sourcing strategy in order to support business growth, savings and achieving better value for money
- Monitors supply markets: understands the overall business context, packaging supply industry dynamics, key players and trends. Establishes and develops clear cost models, market price analysis overview, value chain analysis
- Manages supplier selection and contracting: identifies and selects relevant suppliers. Develops and leads RFx, tenders and negotiations process
- Manages contracts & relationships: develops the supplier engagement approach. Monitors contract implementation, contract compliance, supplier performance, contract status, resolves issues; maintains and develops long-term relationships with key suppliers
- Initiates, leads and implements cost saving projects for the whole category. Significant initial cost reductions, supplanted with year-over-year productivity improvements of 3-5% in Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) while maintaining or improving product quality and vendor service levels
- Monitors continuous improvement progress. Drives cross-functional idea generation and design-to-value activities. Develops and drives ‘in contract’ improvement opportunities
- Develops a sustainable packaging agenda in a challenging Private Label environment
- Innovation: captures innovation from suppliers, contributes to innovation projects
Personal Profile
Education and experience
- Relevant Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum of 8 years of relevant working experience in procurement/sales
- Understands packaging supply industry dynamics, key players and trends
- Affinity with food industry
- Fluent in English, German is an additional asset
The ideal candidate has a background in food, is very much process and content driven, has a ‘can do’ mentality and is knowledgeable on state of the art techniques in their area of expertise. A hard working professional, output oriented, strategic, but also hands-on. CB is a true innovative, market-driven, sales company. The right candidate is thrilled by the quality of the product, its processes and its ambition. CB has a strong position in several western European countries, hence it has to rely on strong relationships with the supplier base. Sensitivity to different cultures is an important personal trait for this candidate.
Relevant competencies
- Combines strong analytics with a pragmatic attitude
- Excellent communication and influencing skills. Comfortable with a ‘challenger’ role within the organization – Organizational sensitivity
- Entrepreneurial spirit, go getter, ‘hands-on’ and ‘no nonsense’
- Result-oriented, timely delivery
- Leadership across disciplines
- Drive and sense of urgency
- Creative and innovative
Remuneration
An attractive package will be offered in order to attract the most suitable candidates in the market.
Location
Continental Bakeries Head Office in Dordrecht.
CONTACTPERSOON LYNCWISE EXECUTIVE SEARCH & INTERIM
