What are the responsibilities and job description for the Procurement Manager position at Dietz & Watson, Inc.?
The Dry Goods Procurement Manager is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and managing inventory levels of dry goods materials required for manufacturing and business operations. This role ensures the timely procurement of quality products at competitive prices while maintaining strong vendor relationships and supporting production schedules. The specialist collaborates closely with suppliers, production, inventory control, quality assurance, and finance teams to ensure uninterrupted supply and cost-effective purchasing practices.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Source and procure dry goods materials, including packaging, labels, cartons, ingredients, paper products, and other non-perishable supplies.
- Monitor inventory levels and purchase requirements to maintain adequate stock while minimizing excess inventory.
- Issue and manage purchase orders in accordance with company policies and production demands.
- Negotiate pricing, contracts, delivery schedules, and service agreements with suppliers.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing vendors while identifying and qualifying new suppliers.
- Develop, prepare, and manage Requests for Proposal (RFPs) for dry goods, packaging materials, and related supplies.
- Lead the end-to-end RFP process, including gathering requirements, creating bid specifications, soliciting supplier proposals, conducting bid analysis, facilitating supplier presentations, and recommending vendor selections.
- Analyze supplier proposals and conduct total cost of ownership evaluations to ensure competitive pricing, quality, service, and supply continuity.
- Maintain detailed RFP documentation, bid comparisons, contract files, and award justifications to support procurement governance and audit requirements.
- Track supplier performance including on-time delivery, quality, responsiveness, and cost competitiveness.
- Coordinate with production planning and inventory teams to ensure material availability.
- Resolve supplier issues related to shortages, quality discrepancies, shipping delays, and invoice discrepancies.
- Analyze market trends, pricing fluctuations, and supply chain risks to support procurement decisions.
- Maintain accurate procurement records and documentation.
- Participate in cost-reduction initiatives and continuous improvement projects.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, food safety requirements, regulatory standards, and procurement procedures.
- Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and inventory planning activities.
- Support strategic sourcing initiatives that improve supplier performance, reduce costs, and mitigate supply chain risks.
Warehouse Operations
- Manage daily warehouse activities including receiving, storage, inventory control, and material distribution for a multi-shift operation.
- Ensure production departments receive required materials, supplies, and components in a timely manner.
- Monitor warehouse workflow and staffing to meet operational demands.
- Maintain clean, organized, and safe warehouse conditions in compliance with company policies and safety standards.
Inventory Management
- Develop, implement, and manage cycle count programs to ensure inventory accuracy.
- Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies and variances.
- Monitor inventory levels and collaborate with purchasing to prevent shortages or overstock situations.
- Verify incoming deliveries against purchase orders and receiving documentation.
Production Support
- Partner with production leadership to understand material requirements and production schedules.
- Ensure critical production materials are available to support manufacturing operations.
- Expedite urgent orders and coordinate emergency deliveries when necessary.
- Communicate potential supply chain disruptions and recommend corrective actions.
Leadership & Administration
- Manage, coach, and develop warehouse employees.
- Assign daily tasks and monitor employee performance.
- Train team members on warehouse procedures, inventory controls, and safety practices.
Minimum Requirements
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, or a related field preferred.
- Equivalent combination of education and procurement experience may be considered.
Experience
- 3-5 years of purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or inventory management experience.
- Experience in food manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, or manufacturing environments preferred.
- Experience purchasing packaging materials and dry goods strongly preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
- Knowledge of procurement principles, inventory management, and supply chain operations.
- Proficiency in ERP (Microsoft D365).
- Advanced Microsoft Excel and data analysis skills.
- Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer.
- Ability to walking through warehouse and production areas.
- May occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
This position plays a critical role in ensuring production continuity by maintaining material availability, inventory accuracy, efficient procurement processes, and strong warehouse operations within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Salary : $63,202 - $98,735