Procurement Manager - Direct Materials

SUMMARY

The Procurement Manager – Direct Materials is responsible for managing and optimizing long-term partnerships with suppliers and co-manufacturers that result in continuous improvements and support of product and process innovations. This position leads the direct materials procurement team in establishing cost saving targets for procurement to lower product and operational costs when procuring ingredients, supplies and services for the company. In addition, the Procurement Manager – Direct Materials identifies needs and implements solutions for outside warehouse storage of aging cheese and supplies that can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and maximize value to the customer. This position will primarily work Monday to Friday, normal business hours with the ability to flex for travel or business needs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Manages Direct Procurement team, communicating work expectations, establishing work priorities, developing new skills and conducting semi-annual performance reviews.
• Manages relationships with existing and potential suppliers, co-manufacturers & outside warehouse facilities.
• Ensures compliance of co-manufacturing partners and warehouse facilities with all Sartori safety and quality standards.
• Negotiates with suppliers and assesses risk and value through analysis of market and economic data and past performance.
• Negotiates and reviews purchasing contracts and supplier and warehouse agreements that result in improved quality, terms and cost.
• Negotiates pricing and delivery for purchases and services.
• Creates, reviews, and approves bid specifications, Request for Proposals (RFPs) and selection criteria for competitive bidding.
• Develops and tracks supplier performance metrics. Confers with Team Members, users, and suppliers to discuss defective or unacceptable goods or services and determine corrective action.
• Ensures JD Edwards training is up to date for designated buyers within Sartori Company.
• Works closely with Plant Managers and Accounts Payable to resolve outstanding supplier issues.
• Develops and evaluates new suppliers, coordinates purchasing activities on new product development.
• Oversees completion of new item codes for materials, establishing order quantities, and executing completion of order fulfillment at buyer level.
• Complies with all company Safety, HACCP, and GMP policies
• Immediately reports any food safety or quality issues to management or other individuals authorized to initiate action.

DIRECT REPORTS

This position is responsible for leading the Direct Procurement team.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A or B.S) in Business Administration, Purchasing, Supply Chain Management or related field is required.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in Purchasing working with vendors, conducting audits and negotiating contracts is required.
• Advanced training or Purchasing or Materials Management certification is desirable.
• Inventory control and manufacturing experience are preferred.
• Experience working with an integrated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is desirable.

OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Alignment with Company Values: Demonstrates behaviors and values that reflect the company’s culture. Sartori’s core values are family, commitment, authenticity, ingenuity, integrity, and humility.
• Analytical Acumen: Ability to draw complex conclusions from data using analytical methods.
• Strategic Vision: Possesses a strategic mindset with the ability to translate business goals into an actionable framework for manufacturing operations.
• Continuous Improvement: Embodies a mindset focused on continuous improvement, leveraging analytics to drive transformational results.
• Leadership and Influence: Proven ability to lead and influence teams and stakeholders, driving a data-centric culture across the organization.
• Coaching: Effectively coaches and mentors others, providing guidance that enhances performance and facilitates development while building confidence.
• Effective Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex analytical insights to diverse audiences.
• Decision Quality: Makes informed, timely decisions using a blend of analytical insights, experience, and sound judgment.
• Learning Agility: Shows a high level of intellectual curiosity and an eagerness to learn and adapt to new analytical techniques and industry trends.
• Relationship Building: Builds and maintains trusting relationships and alliances both inside and outside the organization, fostering collaboration and innovation.
• Results driven – Leverages a collaborative approach to achieve results that promote Sartori’s success.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

WORK LOCATION

This is a hybrid position (3 days in-office, 2 days remote) at our Pleasant View corporate office located in Plymouth, WI. Off-shift work is required as needs arise.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Frequent travel is required to meet the needs of the business (estimated 25%).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The Team Member is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The Team Member must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

When entering the production facility, the Team Member is occasionally exposed to cold working conditions and/or moving mechanical parts. The noise level is moderate while in the plant. This position requires occasional off shift work.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by Team Members assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Sartori Company reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational and business needs as necessary.

Education

• Bachelors or better

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.