Purchasing Manager

Join the Company that is 100% committed to moving the bar higher. Your future belongs at the home of the Excellent Chicken…Bell and Evans!

Bell and Evans (B&E) is seeking a Purchasing Manager to lead and manage the organization's procurement function. This role involves developing procurement strategies, building and optimizing procurement processes, and leading a team to ensure efficient and cost-effective acquisition of goods and services. The Purchasing Manager will oversee supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, and implement best practices in sourcing and supply chain management. Additionally, they will play a key role in building out the procurement function, including recruiting and developing a high-performing procurement team. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong leadership capabilities, excellent communication skills, and a deep understanding of procurement. The Purchasing Manager will play a critical role in optimizing the procurement function, building a capable team, and ensuring that the organization achieve its financial and operational objectives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Strategic Procurement Leadership

• Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with the organization's goals and objectives


• Establish policies and procedures for the procurement function to ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness


• Design policies and procedures that ensure compliance with federal, state and contractual regulations


• Analyze market trends and conditions to identify opportunities for savings and risk mitigation

Team Building and Development

• Recruit, hire, and train procurement staff to build a competent and effective procurement team


• Foster a collaborative and performance-driven culture within the team


• Provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities to team members


• Set clear performance objectives and regularly assess the team's performance against these goals

Process Optimization

• Design and implement streamlined procurement processes to improve efficiency and reduce cycle times


• Implement and maintain procurement systems and tools, including e-procurement platforms and analytics


• Develop and enforce standard operating procedures for procurement activities

Supplier Management and Negotiation

• Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers based on quality, cost, delivery, and reliability


• Negotiate contracts and terms with suppliers to secure favorable pricing and service agreements


• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement


• Monitor supplier performance and address any issues related to quality, delivery, or compliance

Cost Management and Reporting

• Develop and manage the procurement budget, ensuring effective cost control and savings


• Track and report on key procurement metrics, such as cost savings, supplier performance, and procurement cycle times


• Conduct regular spend analysis to identify cost-savings opportunities and strategic sourcing initiatives

Risk Management and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards in all procurement activities


• Identify and mitigate risks related to procurement, including supply chain disruptions and compliance issues


• Develop and implement risk management strategies and contingency plans

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including Purchasing Director, finance, operations, and legal, to ensure alignment of procurement strategies with business needs


• Act as a point of contact for senior management on all procurement related matters


• Communicate procurement strategies and initiatives to stakeholders and provide regular updates on progress and outcomes


• Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, or a related field preferred (A combination of education and experience will be considered)


• Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) and/or Certified Professional Purchasing Manager (CPPM) certification preferred

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of purchasing experience


• 5 years of supervisory experience


• Experience in the poultry, protein, or general food industry preferred

Technical Skills

• Familiarity with e-procurement tools (Business Central/NAV preferred) and procurement analytics tools


• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)


• Report-writer experience preferred

Professional Skills

• Strong negotiating and management skills; effective in influencing others


• Excellent time management and organizational abilities


• Proven success working collaboratively as part of a team


• Exceptional customer service, presentation, and communication skills (written and verbal)

Additional Requirements

• Current, valid driver’s license in state of residence


• Minimum of three (3) years of driving experience with an acceptable driving record