Director of Procurement

Are you a procurement or supply chain leader looking for the opportunity to shape sourcing strategy within a growing, mission-driven food manufacturing organization?

Our client, a well-established global dairy ingredients and food manufacturing company, is seeking a Procurement Director to lead strategic sourcing, supplier management, and procurement operations across a diverse portfolio of dairy and non-dairy ingredients, packaging materials, consumables, and support services representing more than $350 million in annual spend

This is a highly visible leadership role with direct influence on profitability, supply continuity, risk management, and long-term growth strategy.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

The Procurement Director will develop and execute long-term sourcing strategies that balance inventory requirements with commodity market volatility while ensuring quality, service, and cost objectives are achieved.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing strategic sourcing and procurement initiatives
• Managing supplier relationships and contract negotiations
• Leading cost optimization and risk mitigation programs
• Monitoring commodity markets and industry trends
• Supporting inventory and replenishment strategies
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives
• Leading and developing a team of procurement professionals

This position reports directly to the Vice President of Supply Chain and partners closely with Operations, Finance, R&D, Quality, and Commercial teams.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Procurement

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for dairy and non-dairy ingredients and commodities
• Lead supplier selection, negotiations, and contract management
• Monitor market conditions, commodity pricing, and supply trends
• Identify opportunities to improve service levels while reducing costs
• Ensure continuity of supply across critical categories

Supplier Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strategic supplier partnerships
• Monitor supplier performance related to quality, delivery, and compliance
• Conduct supplier evaluations and audits
• Support supplier qualification and approval programs

Cost Optimization & Risk Management

• Identify and execute cost-saving initiatives
• Develop contingency plans to mitigate supply disruptions
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on forecasting and inventory strategies
• Reduce material obsolescence and improve inventory efficiency

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Partner with Operations, R&D, Quality, Finance, and Supply Chain teams
• Support new product introductions through strategic sourcing initiatives
• Align procurement strategies with broader business objectives

Market Intelligence & Analytics

• Utilize ERP systems and procurement tools to manage purchasing activities
• Analyze spend data, market trends, and supplier performance metrics
• Develop KPI reporting and performance dashboards
• Monitor regulatory and industry developments impacting supply and cost

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of procurement professionals
• Foster accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Champion best practices across procurement and sourcing functions

Qualifications

Required Experience

• 7–10 years of progressive procurement or sourcing leadership experience within dairy, food ingredients, food manufacturing, or related process manufacturing environments
• Strong background in commodity purchasing and supplier negotiations
• Experience managing significant annual spend and strategic supplier relationships
• Demonstrated success in cost optimization, risk management, and supply continuity
• Strong analytical, project management, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing abilities
• Proven ability to lead teams and work effectively across functions

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Food Science, Engineering, or related field
• Experience in dairy ingredients, cheese, dairy processing, or food ingredient manufacturing
• Knowledge of commodity markets and ingredient sourcing
• ERP system experience and advanced data analysis capabilities

What Our Client Offers

• Leadership role with significant strategic impact
• Opportunity to influence procurement strategy across a large spend portfolio
• Collaborative, growth-oriented culture
• Strong executive visibility
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Performance-based bonus opportunity
• Retirement savings program with company contribution
• Generous paid time off and parental leave benefits
• Career development and advancement opportunities
• Tuition assistance and professional development

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