Head of Indirect Procurement NCE

Arxada is a global leader in innovative solutions that protect our world. Our groundbreaking technologies, in-depth regulatory know-how, manufacturing and process development help our customers to safeguard nutrition, health and infrastructure efficiently through chemistry and biotechnology that enhance sustainability. We offer a broad portfolio of ingredients and services for multiple end-markets that include Human Health & Nutrition, Home & Personal Care, Professional Hygiene, Paints & Coatings and Wood Protection.

With customers in more than 100 countries, the company achieved sales of CHF 2 billion in 2024. Headquartered in Basel (Switzerland), Arxada employs 3,200 associates across 24 production sites and 14 R&D centers, all committed to our customers’ success.

As the Head of Indirect Procurement based in Switzerland, you will play a pivotal role within the overall procurement team, working in close collaboration with operations. In this position, you will take on significant responsibility for both capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditures (OPEX), as well as for leading all other Indirect Spend Categories within the Business Unit NCE. You will lead initiatives to optimize supplier relationships, achieve targeted cost savings, and ensure uninterrupted supply for critical operations. Your focus on Security of Supply, Total Cost Optimization, and Continuous Improvement and Innovation will directly contribute to delivering the ambitious growth strategy of both NCE and Arxada as a whole. Success in this role will be measured by your ability to deliver strategic procurement outcomes, drive efficiency, and support business continuity. The role is based in Visp, with a hybrid working model (3 days onsite, 2 days can be worked from home).

Essential Job Functions:

• Procurement Management: Lead the end-to-end procurement process for Capex and indirect goods and services, including sourcing, negotiation, and contract management
• Focus on reducing the total cost of ownership and achieving cost savings through effective negotiation and strategic sourcing
• Supplier Relationships: Develop and maintain positive relationships with suppliers to ensure compliance, performance, and continuous improvement
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with internal collaborators to align procurement needs with business objectives and ensure seamless integration of procurement strategies
• Lead the indirect procurement Team at Visp and functional lead of the indirect team at other sites. Team Development to achieve and exceed financial targets such as NWC Optimization and YoY Cost Reductions
• Promote innovation and continuous improvement in procurement processes and strategies
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and risks, and make recommendations for procurement strategies
• Performance Monitoring: Supervise supplier performance and resolve issues promptly to ensure business continuity and quality standards

Qualifications & Experience:

• Min. 5+ years’ procurement leadership, ideally in chemicals. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Preferred education: Master’s degree or an equivalent level of experience
• Fluent in German and English
• Analytical approach with demonstrated ability to recognize opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements
• Previous experience leading mid-size teams in distributed locations

 

Arxada has world class offering in two distinct areas:

Microbial Control Solutions (MCS) focuses on threats posed by microorganisms to people and planet through five distinct business lines including Professional Hygiene, Home & Personal Care, Wood Protection, Paints & Coatings and Material Protection.

Nutrition, Care & Environmental (NCE), meanwhile, provides materials used to manufacture composites for electronics, aerospace and other markets, as well as vitamins and nutritional ingredients, chemicals and performance intermediates, and raw materials for a wide range of high-performance applications.

Arxada is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a qualified individual with disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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