Procurement Manager - SCOPE Recruiting.com

Position Summary:
The Procurement and Sourcing Manager is a critical member of the supply chain team, reporting directly to the Director of Supply Chain. This role oversees strategic sourcing, supplier quality, cost management, and economic forecasting to ensure the efficient procurement of raw materials, packaging, and services. The role emphasizes continuous improvement, cost savings, supplier relationship management, and compliance with industry standards while supporting the company’s mission to deliver high-quality, natural foods.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Management

• Lead the development and execution of strategic sourcing strategies for direct categories, focusing on ingredients, packaging, and services.
• Manage supplier quality, performance monitoring, and improvement initiatives to ensure alignment with company standards.
• Develop and implement supplier strategies that enhance category resilience, improve cost efficiency, and foster innovation.
• Conduct spend analysis and market research to support effective procurement decisions.

Cost Optimization and Market Intelligence

• Drive cost savings initiatives by identifying opportunities across the supplier base and leveraging scale, relationships, and insights.
• Perform economic forecasting and assess total cost of ownership for raw materials and packaging.
• Stay informed on commodity price trends and integrate market intelligence into sourcing strategies.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Foster strong relationships with suppliers to ensure high-quality service, cost competitiveness, and value delivery.
• Oversee supplier performance management, including Quality Business Reviews (QBRs) and adherence to contractual terms.
• Promote supplier development through feedback, quality improvement benchmarks, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Process Improvement and Compliance

• Implement efficient planning, ordering, and fulfillment processes using tools such as MRP and WMS systems.
• Ensure compliance with procurement best practices and sustainability initiatives across all operations.
• Develop and maintain procurement policies to optimize inventory control and align with operational goals.

Collaboration and Leadership

• Partner with R&D, Marketing, Supply Planning, and Operations teams to align sourcing strategies with business objectives.
• Support innovation and cost-saving initiatives through collaborative efforts with internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead a team of procurement specialists, providing mentorship, development, and performance management to achieve departmental goals.

Team Development

• Mentor and develop team members, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented work environment.
• Provide training and support to ensure team members have the skills and knowledge required to excel.
• Set clear goals and expectations for team performance and conduct regular evaluations to track progress.

Strategic Communication

• Clearly communicate procurement activities and strategies to senior management.
• Lead the strategic sourcing process, including spend analysis, market research, negotiations, RFX processes, and contracting.

Contract and Vendor Management

• Oversee the creation, negotiation, and administration of supplier and external manufacturing contracts.
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments to ensure contracts meet company standards and strategic needs.
• Monitor external manufacturing partners to ensure compliance with quality and performance metrics.

Vendor Relationship Building

• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, acting as a key representative of the company.
• Attend meetings with vendors fully prepared, demonstrating a deep understanding of their needs and aligning them with company objectives.
• Develop insights into the vendor’s audience and market, leveraging this knowledge to enhance negotiations and partnerships.
• Represent the company’s values and mission in all vendor interactions, ensuring a professional and collaborative approach.

Co-Manufacturing Responsibilities

• Collaborate with co-manufacturing partners to ensure alignment with the company’s quality, cost, and delivery requirements.
• Develop and manage contracts with co-manufacturers, ensuring compliance with company standards and business objectives.
• Monitor the performance of co-manufacturers, addressing any issues related to quality, delivery, or cost.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to integrate co-manufacturing operations into broader procurement and supply chain strategies.
• Identify opportunities to enhance co-manufacturing processes, including innovation and cost-saving initiatives.

CORE COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Self-starter with a strong work ethic and the ability to prioritize workload to ensure timely issue resolution.
• Proven ability to achieve results in a fast-moving, dynamic environment.
• Ability and desire to learn new skills.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively collaborate in a dynamic environment.

REQUIREMENTS

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field; equivalent experience may substitute.
• Experience: 10+ years in diverse procurement roles, including direct and indirect categories, with capital expense management preferred.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in procurement software (e.g., Business Central, Ariba), Microsoft Office Suite, and MRP systems.
• Project Management: Strong project management skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and execute aggressive implementation plans.
• Sustainable Sourcing: Knowledge of sustainable sourcing practices and industry-standard tools like EDI.

Preferred Skills and Attributes

• Strong analytical skills and market intelligence expertise.
• Excellent negotiation and communication abilities.
• Proven ability to improve working capital and implement cost-saving initiatives.
• Leadership experience with demonstrated ability to mentor and develop team members.

TRAVEL, PHYSICAL DEMANDS, AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Primarily an office environment with occasional inter-company travel.
• Must be able to sit for extended periods.
• Occasional travel required to meet with vendors and suppliers.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary: $130K–$150K (commensurate with experience).
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and PTO.
• Opportunities for professional growth within a collaborative and growth-oriented environment.