Program Manager (Procurement)

Company Description

QCS Purchasing Cooperative is the largest member-owned buying group specializing in food and beverage production, catering to industries such as dairy, fruit, vegetables, beverages, and water conditioning. By consolidating member spending, QCS provides competitive pricing, market insights, and strategic sourcing solutions with a team of category experts. Established in 2021 through a merger of QCS Purchasing LLC, SECO, Quality Chekd Dairies, and Allied Purchasing, QCS boasts over 175 years of collective industry experience and supports a diverse membership of over 800 companies across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and beyond. Members also benefit from food safety and quality services, along with backup supply solutions.

Department: Program Management

Salary Range: $75,000-$95,000

Position Type: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Location: Lisle, IL

Travel Required: Less than 40%

Position Summary

The Program Manager is responsible for developing, managing, and growing QCS Purchasing programs that deliver measurable value to QCS members. This role serves as the primary commercial and relationship owner for assigned procurement categories, balancing member advocacy, supplier performance, and QCS growth objectives. The Program Manager acts as a trusted advisor to members and a strategic partner to suppliers, combining technical expertise, relationship-building, and consultative selling to drive program adoption, participation, and long-term value.

Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead and execute category strategies that increase annual volume, member satisfaction, member value, and participation in QCS programs.
• Drive growth of assigned programs through consultative engagement, influence, and relationship development.
• Strengthen QCS’s position as a value-added procurement partner to its membership.
• Identify, build, and execute sourcing strategies in support of QCS Member needs and organizational
• objectives.
• Serve as the primary relationship owner for assigned supply partners and categories, building trust with stakeholders across member relations, marketing, procurement, finance, and leadership.
• Support members with supply chain needs including total cost reduction, service optimization, sustainability, risk mitigation, innovation, and operational efficiency.
• Manage key supplier relationships, including:
• Annual business reviews
• Program scorecards and KPIs
• Supplier site visits and performance reviews
• Negotiate, implement, and manage contracts and service agreements, ensuring alignment with member needs and compliance with QCS standards.
• Analyze current solutions, identify gaps, and define strategies for program growth and improvement.
• Establish objectives, action plans, and key metrics; monitor results and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Communicate category strategy, market conditions, and program performance internally and externally.
• Track and report on industry developments, including pricing trends, capacity constraints, innovation, and regulatory considerations.
• Identify opportunities to improve total member value, including leading or supporting RFPs when appropriate.

Secondary Responsibilities: 

• Collaborate closely with QCS Member Services to support member onboarding, issue resolution, and ongoing engagement.
• Conduct regular member interactions (virtual and onsite) to understand operational needs and uncover new value opportunities.
• Identify and develop new offerings or enhancements to meet evolving member needs.
• Drive compliance with standardized contracts and programs across assigned categories.
• Communicate market updates, pricing changes, and program enhancements to membership.
• Investigate and resolve pricing, invoicing, and service issues in coordination with suppliers.
• Participate in QCS conferences, supplier events, and member meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

 Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Strong Analytical Skills. 
• Working knowledge of business intelligence tools. 
• Self-Starter. 
• Ability to communicate successfully at all levels of an organization.

Success Factors

• Increased member participation and spend in assigned programs.
• Strong, trusted relationships with QCS members and supplier partners.
• Improved supplier performance and program execution.
• Clear, actionable category strategies with measurable results.
• High member satisfaction and retention within assigned categories.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer-paid life and disability coverage
• 401(k) with employee contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Voluntary supplemental benefits (accident, critical illness, legal, etc.)
• Paid Time Off (PTO) with carryover