Procurement & Supply Chain Manager

Position Summary

The Procurement & Supply Chain Manager is responsible for leading the procurement, inventory, warehouse, and vendor services functions to ensure the reliable, efficient, and cost-effective supply of products and services supporting Schwartz Farms operations in a manner that reflects the values of Schwartz Farms. 

As a trusted, collaborative partner to production and operations, this role ensures the right products, services and resources are available when and where they are needed. This position leads the development of sourcing strategies, develops strong supplier and vendor relationships, negotiates contracts, oversees disciplined warehouse operations and inventory practices, ultimately providing responsive service and support to the team. Through disciplined execution and a commitment to excellence, this leader will continuously improve procurement practices, inventory management, warehouse operations, and vendor performance.

The Procurement & Supply Chain Manager works with the team responsible for purchasing administration, product receiving and shipping, inventory management, warehouse organization, and supply chain coordination. This individual creates clarity, develops people, promotes accountability, and builds a culture focused on service, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Primary Responsibilities

Department Leadership

• Build an engaged, values driven team through coaching and development, establishing clear expectations and accountability (including standard operating procedures) and ongoing cross-training to ensure uninterrupted service;
• Collaborate with Regional Managers and the Accounting team to fulfill company priorities and departmental objectives;
• Utilize KPIs and dashboards to monitor cost and service performance;
• Manage financial performance of the department through the development of budgets, monitoring monthly spending and identifying cost savings;
• Support capital planning for warehouse facilities and equipment;

Procurement & Strategic Sourcing

• Develop company-wide procurement strategies for projects and stock inventory that ensures timely, safe, bio-secure delivery and optimizes cost, quality, and service through:
• Building long-term partnerships with suppliers and distributors to deliver competitive sourcing and preferred customer support, prioritizing geographically local businesses where competitive;
• Negotiating contracts, pricing, rebates, payment terms, warranties, and service agreements.
• Monitoring supplier performance and partnering to resolve unmet expectations.
• Maintaining awareness of market conditions, pricing trends, allocations, shortages, and supply risks and developing contingency sourcing plans and approved product substitutions.
• Standardizing products where appropriate to improve purchasing leverage and operational consistency.

Inventory Management & Warehouse Operations

• For all warehouse locations: 
• Develop inventory strategies that balance service levels with inventory investment by:
• Analyzing inventory consumption, trends, and demand forecasts to establish stocking guidelines, reorder points, par levels and emergency provisions for farms and warehouse locations, and minimize obsolete, excess and slow-moving inventory;
• Establish and maintain proper product sanitation, storage and rotation (FIFO) processes;
• Maintain safe, clean and organized facilities
• Ensure accurate, efficient receiving, inspection and shipping procedures;
• Monitor inventory accuracy through cycle counts and physical inventories;
• Ensure inventory transactions support traceability and accurate financial reporting.

Vendor Services

• Supporting local businesses where possible, source and manage vendors providing services to Schwartz Farms operations including owned and operated farms, offices, feed mills, warehouses, truck washes, and owned residential properties by:
• Negotiating service agreements and pricing, identifying opportunities to drive improvements in service and cost;
• Ensuring vendors meet contractual, insurance, and compliance requirements;
• Developing service expectations and measurable performance standards;
• Collaborating with Regional Managers and respective department leaders to monitor and resolve service issues.
• Services include (as appliable to the type of facility): Pest control, rodent control, mosquito spraying, yards & grounds, snow removal, dust control, rendering, garbage, alarm services, power washing, etc.

 Reports To: Director of Business & Operational Support

Supervisory Responsibility: 

·        Inventory & Accounting Specialist (1)

·        Parts & Supply Specialist (1)

·        Yards & Grounds Manager (Part-time, Sleepy Eye office) (1)

·        Seasonal Mosquito Control Support (Seasonal, Part-time) (2)

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Agriculture, Operations Management, Engineering or related field preferred.

Experience

• 5–8 years of progressively responsible procurement, inventory, warehouse, and/or supply chain experience
• Experience negotiating supplier contracts and service agreements.
• Experience managing inventories across multiple locations.
• Experience leading and developing teams.
• Experience with project and change management.
• Agricultural or livestock operations experience preferred.
• Bilingual: English and Spanish speaking preferred

The preceding qualifications are guidelines. Other combinations of education and experience could provide the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform this job.