Job Description
Are you a procurement or supply chain leader looking for the opportunity to shape sourcing strategy within a growing, mission-driven food manufacturing organization?
Our client, a well-established global dairy ingredients and food manufacturing company, is seeking a Procurement Director to lead strategic sourcing, supplier management, and procurement operations across a diverse portfolio of dairy and non-dairy ingredients, packaging materials, consumables, and support services representing more than $350 million in annual spend
This is a highly visible leadership role with direct influence on profitability, supply continuity, risk management, and long-term growth strategy.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
The Procurement Director will develop and execute long-term sourcing strategies that balance inventory requirements with commodity market volatility while ensuring quality, service, and cost objectives are achieved.
Key responsibilities include:
- Developing strategic sourcing and procurement initiatives
- Managing supplier relationships and contract negotiations
- Leading cost optimization and risk mitigation programs
- Monitoring commodity markets and industry trends
- Supporting inventory and replenishment strategies
- Driving continuous improvement initiatives
- Leading and developing a team of procurement professionals
This position reports directly to the Vice President of Supply Chain and partners closely with Operations, Finance, R&D, Quality, and Commercial teams.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Sourcing & Procurement
- Develop and implement sourcing strategies for dairy and non-dairy ingredients and commodities
- Lead supplier selection, negotiations, and contract management
- Monitor market conditions, commodity pricing, and supply trends
- Identify opportunities to improve service levels while reducing costs
- Ensure continuity of supply across critical categories
Supplier Relationship Management
- Build and maintain strategic supplier partnerships
- Monitor supplier performance related to quality, delivery, and compliance
- Conduct supplier evaluations and audits
- Support supplier qualification and approval programs
Cost Optimization & Risk Management
- Identify and execute cost-saving initiatives
- Develop contingency plans to mitigate supply disruptions
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams on forecasting and inventory strategies
- Reduce material obsolescence and improve inventory efficiency
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Partner with Operations, R&D, Quality, Finance, and Supply Chain teams
- Support new product introductions through strategic sourcing initiatives
- Align procurement strategies with broader business objectives
Market Intelligence & Analytics
- Utilize ERP systems and procurement tools to manage purchasing activities
- Analyze spend data, market trends, and supplier performance metrics
- Develop KPI reporting and performance dashboards
- Monitor regulatory and industry developments impacting supply and cost
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of procurement professionals
- Foster accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
- Champion best practices across procurement and sourcing functions
Qualifications
Required Experience
- 7–10+ years of progressive procurement or sourcing leadership experience within dairy, food ingredients, food manufacturing, or related process manufacturing environments
- Strong background in commodity purchasing and supplier negotiations
- Experience managing significant annual spend and strategic supplier relationships
- Demonstrated success in cost optimization, risk management, and supply continuity
- Strong analytical, project management, and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing abilities
- Proven ability to lead teams and work effectively across functions
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Food Science, Engineering, or related field
- Experience in dairy ingredients, cheese, dairy processing, or food ingredient manufacturing
- Knowledge of commodity markets and ingredient sourcing
- ERP system experience and advanced data analysis capabilities
What Our Client Offers
- Leadership role with significant strategic impact
- Opportunity to influence procurement strategy across a large spend portfolio
- Collaborative, growth-oriented culture
- Strong executive visibility
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Performance-based bonus opportunity
- Retirement savings program with company contribution
- Generous paid time off and parental leave benefits
- Career development and advancement opportunities
- Tuition assistance and professional development
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