Director of Purchasing

Position Objective

Responsible for the purchase of ingredients, packaging, and supplies used by production facilities. Manages inventory levels of all raw materials and inbound freight costs as applicable. Supports material needs of Research & Development.

Accountable for planning, organizing, leading, and directing company purchasing activities, including working on and leading projects to achieve all key performance indicators (KPIs).

Principal Accountabilities

1. Exemplify company values of Integrity, Commitment, and Teamwork while conducting all company business. Foster and maintain positive, professional working relationships with internal teams, suppliers, and cross-functional partners to support a collaborative and solutions-focused work environment.
2. Develop the materials cost budget for the annual operating budget covering ingredients, packaging, and production supplies.
3. Source ingredients and packaging materials for Research & Development activities and seek new packaging concepts.
4. Recommend forward buying and other hedging activities for essential ingredients, including but not limited to: eggs, flour, sugar, oil products, cocoa, chocolate, nuts, cheese, starch, fruits and vegetables, custom flavors, corrugated boxes, custom plastic containers, chipboard boxes, printed labels, and printed film.
5. Subject to approval levels set by Senior Management and the Expense Authorization Policy, manage purchasing activities including vendor research and selection, vendor floor stock commitments, inbound freight costs and modes, terms and conditions of payment, forecasting of future costs, researching new or substitute materials, and issuance of purchase orders.
6. On an ongoing basis, review possible modifications to material specifications or sourcing substitutions to reduce cost without materially impacting the quality or functionality of the final product.
7. Analyze, assess, and report long-term raw material inventory and cost implications resulting from marketing decisions.
8. Supervise Purchasing Buyers or assigned team members.
9. Coordinate with production scheduling regarding changes to sales orders and resulting changes in material needs.
10. Direct and execute activities to manage inventory of raw ingredients to ensure plant needs are met.
11. Oversee purchasing activities to ensure timely delivery of materials with required quality at the least total cost.
12. Ensure back-up vendor capabilities are in place to secure regular supply of necessary materials in emergency situations.
13. Advise Senior Management of market trends, changes, new products, and any pertinent information gathered through supplier and vendor contacts.
14. Maintain the Purchase Order system and appropriate records.
15. Arrange for the disposal of surplus materials.
16. Review and approve invoices that do not exactly match received purchase orders.
17. Recommend forward buying and other hedging activities for energy products such as natural gas.
18. Ensure employee safety and support all safety programs.
19. Provide leadership and direction to employees while maintaining effective communication, offering guidance and coaching.
20. Meet company KPIs, including financial objectives, production schedules, waste elimination, and efficiency improvements.
21. Collaborate with Human Resources on employee relations and performance matters.
22. Train, motivate, and manage subordinates, including establishing performance goals and objectives and supporting career development to meet present and future business needs.
23. Maintain effective communication and working relationships with Operations, Quality, Food Safety, Maintenance, and all other support and leadership roles.
24. Observe all laws, regulations, and applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the company.
25. Perform other duties as assigned or required. These statements describe the general nature and level of work performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required.

Required Skills

1. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and urgent deadlines simultaneously.
2. Timely and accurate completion of all requested reports and analyses.
3. Effective verbal and written communication skills.
4. Proactive approach to continuous improvement (CI) and lean principles, or willingness to learn and apply CI methodologies.
5. Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office and Microsoft Navision (or other major ERP systems).

Competencies

1. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to maintain composure.
2. Leadership mindset and team-oriented approach; demonstrates collaborative communication across cross-functional teams.
3. Dependability and commitment to meeting obligations.
4. Results-oriented focus.
5. Strategic thinking with strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
6. Change agility.
7. Treats others with respect and consideration.
8. Accountability for personal actions and outcomes.
9. Maintains strict confidentiality of sensitive information.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this role, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear; frequently required to walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The position requires standing or sitting for extended periods. Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

Ability to work with multiple priorities that frequently change. Must maintain a calm, professional demeanor when interacting with customers, subordinates, employees, vendors, and visitors.

Essential Qualifications

Experience & Education

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent purchasing experience required in business, operations, engineering, or related disciplines. Ten or more years of progressive professional experience in a production-related environment emphasizing complex manufacturing and assembly techniques, including at least five years in a supervisory role. Equivalent experience or a combination of education and experience may be substituted. Successful completion of all internal courses required to perform the job is mandatory.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Extensive purchasing knowledge with the ability to organize, schedule, and coordinate to meet established milestones
• Ability to identify issues, analyze and interpret data, and develop innovative solutions to complex and diverse challenges
• Strong analytical, verbal, and written communication skills for reporting and presenting to varied audiences
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and guide others
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
• Ability to initiate, plan, and manage multiple projects and schedules
• Ability to represent the company on external projects
• Proficient computer skills
• Ability to work extended hours and travel as required