A growing food manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead procurement strategy, supplier partnerships, and sourcing operations. This role is responsible for driving cost optimization, supplier performance, contract negotiations, and supply continuity across a complex manufacturing environment.
The ideal candidate will bring deep experience in food and beverage procurement, including sourcing ingredients, packaging, and commodity-based materials. This individual will serve as a key business partner across Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, and Product Development while leading a team of procurement professionals.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management
- Develop and execute sourcing strategies that support business objectives and operational needs
- Lead competitive bid processes, including RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs across critical spend categories
- Negotiate supplier contracts, pricing agreements, rebate programs, and service-level expectations
- Build and maintain strong relationships with strategic suppliers and key stakeholders
- Analyze commodity markets, supplier capabilities, and industry trends to identify risks and opportunities
- Drive supplier innovation, value engineering, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Monitor supplier performance related to quality, delivery, service, and cost metrics
- Lead supplier selection, qualification, and performance review processes
Procurement Leadership
- Lead and develop a purchasing team, providing coaching, mentorship, and performance management
- Establish departmental goals, KPIs, and reporting metrics
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
- Support talent development and succession planning initiatives
Financial & Cost Management
- Develop and execute cost-savings initiatives and procurement efficiency program
- Analyze spend, purchasing trends, and market intelligence to improve profitability
- Support budgeting and forecasting through commodity and supplier insights
- Evaluate total cost of ownership across sourcing categories
- Contribute to company-wide margin improvement initiatives
Supply Chain Risk & Continuity
- Develop sourcing strategies that minimize supply disruptions and business risk
- Monitor market conditions, commodity availability, and supply chain trends
- Establish contingency plans for critical ingredients, packaging, and supplier relationships
- Partner closely with Operations and Supply Chain teams to maintain service levels and inventory availability
Compliance & Process Improvement
- Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, regulatory requirements, and food safety standards
- Support supplier audits and quality assurance initiatives
- Lead process improvements, reporting enhancements, and procurement system optimization efforts
- Present sourcing strategies, savings results, risks, and opportunities to senior leadership
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field
- 8+ years of progressive procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain experience
- 3+ years of people leadership experience within a purchasing or sourcing environment
- Proven success negotiating complex supplier agreements and strategic partnerships
- Strong knowledge of category management, supplier relationship management, and procurement analytics
- Demonstrated experience leading cost reduction and value creation initiatives
- Excellent analytical, financial, communication, and stakeholder management skills
- Experience utilizing ERP systems and procurement technology platforms
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