Strategic Sourcing Manager

The Strategic Sourcing Manager is critical to the success of the company. It reports directly to the Head of Purchasing and will be required to be a working manager with a combination of tactical and strategic responsibilities. The primary mission is to negotiate key commodities, drive cost savings across the enterprise and bridge sales and sourcing. Key deliverables include achievement of increasing availability of all product lines, improving supply for all customers with a focus on strategic accounts, building and aligning to key company metrics. Scope of responsibilities include but not limited to agricultural products, packaging, and raw materials. Experience in food service, packaging & overseas sourcing strongly preferred.Position OverviewKey responsibilities for this position include:Manages assigned categories with a strategic approachUnderstanding of 7 Step Strategic Sourcing process (Category Assessment, Market Research, Supplier Selection, Negotiation, Contracting, Implementation and Performance Review)Ability to be flexible with both long and short-term contractsWork cross functionally with sales, marketing & operations to deliver cost savings and NPD projects from beginning to end.Influences the adaptation of sourcing programs and supplier adoption.Lead project teams where appropriate. Multifunctional department teams to include Operations, Sales & Quality Assurance to identify internal opportunities & savingsHave a “trader” mindset while being able to align to strategic directionElevate the sourcing department by identifying more efficient ways of working. Build new processes and make recommendations to drive a category approachQualify new suppliers where applicableNegotiate on key product linesCreate cost models and “should cost” scenarios for assigned categories (starches, oils, sauces and other assigned food related purchases)SuppliersManages supplier relationships from a strategic level (6 month + time fence)Manages strategic road map for assigned categoriesAble to bridge key market intelligence to make decisions and connect the dots to key customersWorks collaboratively with external/cross functional contacts to ensure supply requirements are being met.Acts as primary liaison between sales, plants and suppliers and works to resolve supply, quality, and cost issues.Communicate price fluctuations and take immediate action to mitigateResearch and anticipate shifts in the negotiating power of suppliersQualifications 5+ Years’ experience managing agricultural, packaging and commodities in food or CPG industriesUnderstanding of full business life cycle (can deliver projects and tasks from beginning to end)Communicates efficiently both internally and externallyAbility to gain key market intel and translate from buy to sellFirm understanding of different approaches of negotiating (strategic vs. tactical)Navigate complex supplier network and relationshipsIdentify supplier nuance and translate to action