Jobs › Kraft Heinz

Sr. Manager, Ingredients - Oils, Processed Grains, & Components

Kraft Heinz · Chicago, IL · $104,200–$130,200 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 22, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a complex negotiation you led with a major supplier. What did you give and what did you get?

What they are checking: Whether they negotiate for long-term value and can explain the trade-offs, not just a price cut.

Describe a supplier business review you ran that actually changed something.

What they are checking: Whether they use reviews to drive improvement, not just to share scorecards.

What would you do

A key flour supplier tells you they may not be able to meet volume next quarter because of a poor harvest. What do you do?

What they are checking: How they protect supply continuity with backup sources, inventory and specification options under pressure.

The business wants big savings this year, but commodity prices are rising. How do you set expectations with leadership?

What they are checking: Whether they can be honest about market reality while still finding productivity and showing the full picture.

About the work

Walk me through how you'd build a multi-year category strategy for oils like soybean and canola.

What they are checking: Whether they can build a real category strategy covering supply risk, cost, sustainability and supplier roles.

What market factors do you watch most closely for oils and grains, and how do they affect when you buy?

What they are checking: Whether they understand drivers like crop reports, weather, biofuel demand and trade policy that move these commodities.

How would you use specification changes to lower cost without hurting product quality?

What they are checking: Whether they partner with R&D and Quality to find savings in specs, which the posting names directly.

What kinds of risk-sharing or pricing structures have you used in commodity contracts?

What they are checking: Whether they know index-based pricing, collars and hedging approaches that share risk fairly with suppliers.

How do you segment suppliers, and how does that change how you manage each group?

What they are checking: Whether they invest more time in strategic suppliers and run a lighter touch on others.

How do you include sustainability goals, like responsibly sourced palm oil, in a category strategy?

What they are checking: Whether they can weave sustainability into sourcing decisions alongside cost and supply.

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The full job description

As published by Kraft Heinz.

Job Description Primary Responsibilities: Category Strategy & Managemen t · Develop and execute multi-year category strategies for oils, grains, flour, pasta, components, and related commodity ingredient categories. · Translate business priorities into procurement strategies that support growth, margin enhancement, supply continuity, innovation, and operational excellence. · Monitor commodity markets, supply-demand dynamics, geopolitical developments, regulatory trends, and supplier capabilities to proactively identify risks and opportunities. · Establish category roadmaps with clear productivity, risk mitigation, sustainability, and innovation objectives. · Lead strategic supplier segmentation and relationship management programs. Strategic Sourcing & Negotiation s · Lead complex sourcing events, negotiations, contract development, and supplier selection decisions. · Drive total cost improvements through market intelligence, supplier collaboration, specification optimization, and commercial negotiations. · Develop sourcing strategies that improve competitiveness while ensuring continuity of supply. · Negotiate commercial agreements, risk-sharing mechanisms, pricing structures, and long-term partnerships. Supplier Relationship Management · Serve as executive relationship owner for key strategic suppliers. · Conduct supplier business reviews, performance discussions, and capability assessments. · Build collaborative partnerships that support innovation, sustainability, and operational improvements. · Resolve escalated commercial, supply, quality, and contractual issues. Leadership & Talent Development · Lead, coach, and develop procurement managers, buyers, and category specialists. · Build organizational capability through performance management, succession planning, and individual development plans. · Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and ownership. · Promote best-practice sourcing methodologies across the procurement organization. Cross-Functional Leadersh ip · Lead highly complex business initiatives involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and significant business risk. · Serve as a trusted advisor to Business Units, Manufacturing, Operations, R&D, Quality, Finance, and Supply Chain teams. · Drive alignment through fact-based recommendations, executive communication, and business storytelling. · Lead cross-functional programs to improve category performance, supplier effectiveness, and business processes. Risk Management & Supply Assuranc e · Develop and maintain category risk strategies covering supply continuity, geopolitical exposure, capacity constraints, financial health, sustainability, and quality risk. · Establish contingency plans for critical materials and strategic suppliers. · Partner with Quality, Regulatory, and Operations teams to manage supply disruptions and business continuity events. · Ensure compliance with procurement governance, contracting policies, and supplier quality requirements. Financial & Business Performanc e · Deliver annual productivity, cash flow, working capital, and value creation targets. · Manage category budgets, forecasts, savings pipelines, and strategic investment opportunities. · Support business planning and long-range planning processes. · Develop executive-level presentations and recommendations for senior leadership decision-making. Role Scope Categorie s · Edible oils · Flour and processed grains · Pasta · Semi-finished goods and components · Related commodity ingredients Team Leadershi p Provides leadership and development for procurement professionals supporting the assigned commodity ingredient categories. The final reporting structure and direct-report scope should be confirmed during position approval. Qualifications Required · Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Economics, Agricultural Sciences, Food Science, Engineering, or a related field. · Minimum 6+ years of progressive procurement, sourcing, commodity management, agriculture, food manufacturing, or related experience. · Proven experience developing and executing category strategies. · Demonstrated success leading complex negotiations and supplier relationships. · Experience managing direct reports and developing talent. · Strong financial, analytical, project management, and change leadership capabilities. · Ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead through ambiguity. · Excellent executive communication and business storytelling skills. Preferre d · MBA or advanced degree. · Experience within food, ingredients, agriculture, commodities, or consumer packaged goods. · Market expertise in oils, grains, flour, pasta, components, or related ingredient categories. · Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and analytics tools. Success Measures · Achievement of annual productivity, cash flow, and value creation targets. · Improved supply continuity and reduced category risk. · Strong supplier performance and strategic relationship health. · Delivery of innovation and growth-enabling initiatives. · Team engagement, capability building, and succession readiness. · Effective cross-functional partnership and stakeholder alignment. · Execution of annual operating plans and multi-year category strategies. Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values. New Hire Base Salary Range: $104,200.00 - $130,200.00 Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents. The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents. Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families. You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example: • Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments • Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training • Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs • Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability Location(s) Chicago/Aon Center Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.

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