What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Global Sourcing position at Westminster Pet Products?
Job Summary:
The Director of Global Sourcing will lead the strategic procurement of finished goods, raw materials (such as proteins and functional ingredients), and packaging to support high-growth product lines. This role requires a balance of cost optimization, strict adherence to pet food safety standards, and the development of a resilient, ethical global supplier network.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- To define and execute a multi-year sourcing roadmap that ensures supply continuity, with optimal customer OTIF. The plan should also help reduce costs of materials and support rapid innovation in the pet chew, treat and supply categories.
- Driving and improving S&OP processes for accurate demand planning, collaboration with sales, manufacturing to create and execute supply plans. Creating strategies to optimize inventory, product availability and service levels.
- Drive advancement of data and systems capabilities for improved competitive advantage and reduced costs.
- Direct periodic factory meetings (virtual or onsite) to review product development and optimize supply chains.
- Identify, vet, and onboard new global vendors, negotiating complex long-term agreements and favorable commercial terms.
- Establish and monitor supplier KPIs across quality, service, innovation, and sustainability.
- Conduct regular on-site audits of international vendor production facilities.
- Develop mitigation plans for geopolitical risks, trade barriers, and supply volatility.
- Ensure all imported goods meet US Customs, Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) and FDA safety standards.
- Apply supply chain knowledge and expertise to identify best methods and to advance the organizational effectiveness and efficiency.
- Partner with Quality Assurance (QA) to implement rigorous testing standards for new and existing suppliers.
- Collaborate with Sales and Marketing to offer alternative product, packaging, and manufacturing options for new pet product launches.
- Work with Finance to verify product costing structures, including freight, duty rates, and material fluctuations.
Required Skills & Abilities:
- Lives the company values of integrity, efficiency, accountability, collective intelligence, and transparency.
- Deep understanding of FDA, AAFCO, and FSMA regulations, as well as global trade and import/export compliance
- Proven ability to lead complex negotiations across diverse cultures and time zones
- Passionate about business results and quality, with a strong sense of accountability and ownership
- Proven ability to build a strong team of direct reports and to actively develop the team's potential through coaching and effective performance management.
- Ability to influence and collaborate at all levels and across all functions of the organization.
- Proven flexibility to quickly adapt to ever changing business needs.
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills. Solid decision making in a timely manner.
Education & Experience:
- Bachelors Degree in business, management or relevant degree.
- 10 years of senior leadership in global sourcing, strategic procurement, or supply chain, preferably in pet food, animal nutrition, or human food industries.
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- There are times the employee may be required to stand, walk or work in a warehouse environment.
- Requires the ability to bend, stoop, reach, lift, and move and/or carry items up to 40 pounds.
- Travel will be required.