Procurement Manager - Raw Ingredients

Title: Procurement Ingredients & Raw Materials Manager

Reporting to: VP, Procurement

Location: OPO, Chicago, IL

Work arrangement: Hybrid (3 days per week minimum)

Job Overview

The Procurement Ingredients & Raw Materials Manager is responsible for overseeing the strategic procurement of ingredients and raw materials necessary for Nonni's production operations. This role will develop and implement ingredient and raw material procurement strategies, manage supplier relationships, ensure compliance with quality and food safety standards, and optimize costs while maintaining ingredient integrity and supply continuity. Reporting to the Head of Procurement, this position will collaborate closely with operations, R&D, quality assurance, and supply chain teams to ensure ingredient and raw material sourcing supports business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Ingredients & Raw Materials Procurement

• Develop and implement procurement strategies for ingredients and raw materials to ensure timely and cost-effective acquisition of key inputs (e.g., flours, grains, sweeteners, oils, dairy, flavorings, and other formulation components)
• Manage supplier relationships for ingredient and raw material vendors, negotiate contracts, and evaluate supplier performance on quality, delivery, and consistency
• Monitor commodity markets, ingredient industry trends, and supply innovations to identify opportunities for cost savings and supply resilience
• Conduct risk assessments for the ingredient supply chain (commodity volatility, weather/crop risk, geopolitical exposure) and develop contingency plans to mitigate disruptions
• Prepare and manage ingredient procurement budgets, forecasts, and cost analysis reports, including commodity hedging considerations where applicable

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure ingredients and raw materials meet food safety standards, regulatory requirements, and quality specifications
• Partner with quality assurance and R&D teams to validate ingredient specifications and conduct supplier audits
• Implement sustainable and responsible sourcing practices aligned with company environmental and ethical sourcing goals
• Drive continuous improvement in procurement processes, supplier scorecards, and ingredient specifications

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with production, R&D, quality assurance, and supply chain teams to ensure ingredient sourcing supports operational efficiency and product consistency
• Support new product development initiatives with ingredient recommendations, cost analysis, and supplier sourcing
• Work with R&D and brand teams on formulation considerations that balance taste, functionality, nutrition, and cost
• Coordinate with finance on ingredient cost projections, variance analysis, and budget planning

Supplier & Vendor Management

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with ingredient and raw material suppliers and vendors

Conduct regular business reviews with key suppliers to drive performance improvements and innovation

• Lead supplier qualification process, including site visits, capability assessments, and contract negotiations
• Manage dispute resolution and performance issues with ingredient suppliers

Qualifications

Experience

• 5 years of progressive experience in ingredient or raw materials procurement, preferably within the food or consumer packaged goods industry
• Proven track record of managing ingredient supplier relationships and negotiating contracts
• Strong understanding of food-grade ingredients, commodity markets, regulations, and quality standards
• Experience with sustainable and responsible sourcing initiatives
• Demonstrated success in achieving cost savings and supply chain efficiency improvements

Skills & Abilities

• Strategic thinking with ability to translate commodity market trends into actionable procurement strategies
• Advanced negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail
• Proficiency in procurement software, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders
• Project management skills with ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Food Science, or related field requi
• redProfessional certifications (CPM, CPSM, or related) preferred

Working Conditions

• Hybrid work arrangement based in Chicago (Old Post Office)officeApproximately 15-20% travel required to visit suppliers, manufacturing sites, and industry events

Compensation

• Competitive compensation package including base salary, annual performance bonus, 401(k), insurance, etc.
• 20 days of PTO and 11 holidays

An Equal Opportunity Employer

We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants are given equal consideration.