Current jobs related to Strategic Sourcing Director - Manteno, Illinois - Urban Farmer Foods

The Strategic Sourcing Director will lead the sourcing and procurement strategy for Urban Farmer Foods, a leading food manufacturing company. This role involves developing and executing strategic sourcing initiatives to ensure cost-effective procurement of high-quality raw materials, ingredients, and services.

The Strategic Sourcing Director will work closely with cross-functional teams, including Research and Development, Quality Assurance, Production, and Supply Chain, to optimize the sourcing process, build strong supplier relationships, and drive continuous improvement.

• Strategic Leadership and Planning:
  • Develop and execute the company's strategic sourcing plan to meet business objectives.
  • Lead the sourcing team, providing direction, mentorship, and performance management.
  • Collaborate with senior leadership to align sourcing strategies with overall business goals.
• Supplier Relationship Management:
  • Identify, evaluate, and establish strong partnerships with key suppliers.
  • Negotiate contracts, terms, and pricing with suppliers to ensure cost-effective procurement.
  • Conduct regular supplier performance reviews and implement improvement plans as needed.
• Production Support:
  • Collaborate with Production, Research and Development, and Supply Chain teams to ensure timely and accurate procurement of materials.
  • Partner with Supply Chain to ensure optimal raw materials inventory levels are maintained.
• Cost Optimization:
  • Develop and implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or supply reliability.
  • Conduct market research and cost analysis to identify potential savings and efficiencies.
  • Monitor and manage the sourcing budget to ensure optimal resource allocation.
• Quality Assurance and Compliance:
  • Ensure all sourced materials meet company quality standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Work closely with the Quality Assurance team to address any quality issues or concerns.
  • Maintain compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Operational Efficiency:
  • Streamline sourcing processes to enhance efficiency, reduce lead times, and reduce finished goods inventory levels.
  • Implement best practices in sourcing and procurement to drive continuous improvement.
• Risk Management:
  • Develop and implement risk management strategies to mitigate supply chain disruptions.
  • Monitor geopolitical, economic, and environmental factors that could impact sourcing.
  • Establish contingency plans to address potential supply chain risks.
• Sustainability Initiatives:
  • Promote and implement sustainable sourcing practices.
  • Identify opportunities for sustainability improvements within the supply chain.
  • Work with suppliers to ensure adherence to sustainability standards and initiatives.
• Innovation and Market Trends:
  • Stay informed about industry trends, market conditions, and emerging technologies.
  • Identify and capitalize on opportunities for innovation in sourcing and procurement.
  • Foster a culture of innovation within the sourcing team.
• Data Analysis and Reporting:
  • Utilize data analytics to drive decision-making and optimize sourcing strategies.
  • Prepare and present regular reports on sourcing performance, cost savings, and supplier metrics.
  • Track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of sourcing initiatives.
• Collaboration and Communication:
  • Maintain open and effective communication with internal stakeholders, including Research and Development, Production, and Finance.
  • Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to ensure alignment of sourcing activities with business needs.
  • Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and supplier meetings.
  Qualification Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in finance, purchasing, or supply chain management.
  • Strong quantitative and analytical skills with demonstrated expertise in quantitative modeling and advanced Excel skills.
  • 8-10 years' procurement experience with responsibility for primary raw material streams.
  • Experience developing and implementing successful strategic sourcing programs and practices.
  • Experience with complex contract negotiation.
  • Strong track record of delivering cost savings.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
  Work Environment:

This position works in an office and a manufacturing environment with variable temperature and loud noises from machinery and equipment alarms.

The incumbent will be exposed to loud noises and alarms from equipment and machinery.