Global Category Manager
Join Palsgaard and play a key role in connecting procurement with innovation — securing and qualifying the raw materials that enable tomorrow’s solutions.
Global Category Manager
Do you have strong procurement expertise combined with the ability to navigate complex cross-functional processes in a regulated production environment?
At Palsgaard, we are looking for a Global Category Manager, primarily responsible for Hydrocolloids and Starches. Based at our headquarters in Juelsminde, Denmark, you will play a key role in driving the global procurement strategy within these categories, securing, qualifying and industrializing raw materials while supporting our Innovation teams in bringing new solutions safely and efficiently from testing to production.
In this role, you will act as the bridge between Procurement, Innovation, Quality, Regulatory and Operations, ensuring that raw materials move efficiently from early testing to industrial use without compromising quality, compliance or supply security.
You will report to our Procurement Director and be part of our global procurement team of 10 people and contribute to strengthening Palsgaard’s global raw material sourcing capabilities.
Your responsibilities
Development of global Category strategy
Negotiations of agreements for global and regional raw materials
Ensure supply availability, competitiveness and supplier performance
Drive supplier qualification and approval processes together with Quality and Regulatory
Support Innovation teams in screening and qualifying new raw materials for testing
Facilitate the transition from pilot testing to industrial implementation
Ensure strong governance around supplier data, specifications and change control
Identify and mitigate supply, compliance and quality risks
Provide market insights and costing support to internal stakeholders
Build strong collaboration across Procurement, Innovation and Operations
Your profile
We are looking for an experienced specialist with strong commercial and technical understanding.
You likely have:
A relevant higher education within procurement, supply chain, food science, engineering or similar
Experience from raw material sourcing (experience in Hydrocolloids and starches will be an advantage) or technical procurement.
Strong understanding of supplier qualification, documentation and compliance requirements
Experience working across technical and commercial functions
Strong analytical and stakeholder management skills
Excellent English communication skills
Experience from food ingredients, food production, or similar regulated industries will be an advantage.
As a person, you are
Structured and detail-oriented
Commercially minded with strong business understanding
Risk-aware and solution-oriented
Collaborative and pragmatic
Able to create clarity across complex processes
At Palsgaard, you get
A central specialist role with global impact
The opportunity to support innovation and industrialization across the business
Close collaboration with highly skilled colleagues across functions
What We Offer
At Palsgaard, you will join a company with strong values and a long-term perspective. We offer:
Attractive working conditions, including a 7th week of vacation, health insurance, massage scheme, canteen, and active employee association
Profit sharing through an additional pension scheme
Strong opportunities for professional and personal development
An international working environment with global stakeholders
A collaborative and informal culture in beautiful surroundings at Palsgaard Estate
We look forward to hearing from you:
If this position sounds like something for you, we would very much like to hear from you as soon as possible, as we review applications and invite candidates for interviews on an ongoing basis.
If you have any questions about the position, you are welcome to contact
Gunhild Nørgaard - +45 41906062
- Department
- Procurement
- Locations
- Palsgaard A/S - Denmark
Palsgaard A/S - Denmark
A unique career - Join us
About Palsgaard
At Palsgaard, we specialise in plant-based food emulsifiers, a field we've led for over 100 years. Our small yet crucial role in delivering delicious foods extends to non-food markets such as polymers and personal care.
A century of expertise
Since our founder Einar Viggo Schou invented the plant-based emulsifier in 1917, we've driven innovation through our seven global application centres.
Our food technology experts are dedicated to using our understanding of emulsifiers to drive constant innovation and empower the international food industry to explore new trends.
Nexus, our R&D sister company, advances emulsifier technology with significant scientific freedom, ensuring innovative solutions for Palsgaard's diverse applications.
Impactful emulsifiers
Emulsifiers blend incompatible ingredients like water, oil, and air, significantly enhancing product quality. They enable stable emulsions, prevent oil separation, and control aeration and viscosity in bakery, confectionery, dairy, ice cream, margarine, and plant-based foods. Combined with stabilisers, they improve texture, mouthfeel, and shelf-life while supporting healthier food options.
Committed to responsibility
Since 1908, we've fostered a culture of responsibility, loyalty, and respect, celebrating our colleagues, families, and communities. Our ambition drives responsible sourcing, reduced energy consumption, and CO2 emissions. We address societal challenges such as food waste and safety and offer RSPO SG-certified emulsifiers.
Beyond food
Our emulsifiers also serve personal care and polymer markets, providing safe, sustainable alternatives to conventional additives. They enhance food packaging and help reduce food waste.
Owned by the Schou Foundation, we have more than 800 colleagues across 20 countries and six factories on four continents.
Join us in shaping the future of plant-based emulsifiers at Palsgaard.