Procurement Manager

Alta Gama Foods is seeking a dynamic Procurement Manager to lead our efforts in sourcing both international and national specialty foods. The ideal candidate will be responsible for supplier identification, contract negotiation, and market trend analysis. They must possess extensive knowledge of the food industry and demonstrate exceptional communication skills. Building and maintaining strong supplier relationships to ensure product quality and authenticity are key aspects of this role. We are looking for individuals with a creative mindset and adaptability to acquire unique offerings, while strategic vision drives our future expansion.

Responsibilities:

Sourcing:

• Identify and evaluate potential suppliers globally.
• Negotiate contracts, terms, and pricing with suppliers to ensure cost-effectiveness and quality standards are met.
• Continuously monitor market trends and supplier performance to optimize sourcing strategies.

Vendor Relationships:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with international suppliers and vendors.
• Resolve any issues or disputes with suppliers promptly and effectively.

International Travel:

• Travel internationally to visit suppliers, attend trade shows, and explore new sourcing opportunities.
• Represent the company professionally in international negotiations and meetings.

Product Scouting:

• Stay informed about industry trends and emerging products.
• Conduct market research and product scouting to identify new products for import.

Product Programs Development:

• Develop product offering programs that will drive a variety of product to encompass a sector of the industry's needs.
• Ej. source, flour, chocolate chips, sugar, etc for Bakeries in our selling territory.

Quality Assurance:

• Collaborate with suppliers to establish and maintain quality standards for imported products.
• Conduct regular quality inspections and audits to ensure compliance with specifications.

Cost Management:

• Identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements within the procurement and logistics functions.
• Analyze pricing trends and negotiate favorable terms to optimize procurement costs.

Documentation and Compliance:

• Ensure all import/export documentation is accurate and compliant with relevant regulations.
• Stay up-to-date with changes in import/export laws and regulations.

Cross-functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate with other departments such as sales, marketing, and operations to align procurement strategies with business objectives.
• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment and understanding of procurement activities.

Continuous Improvement:

• Implement process improvements and best practices to enhance efficiency and effectiveness within the procurement function.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and seek feedback for continuous improvement.

Reporting:

• Prepare regular reports and analyses on procurement KPIs, budget adherence, and supplier performance.
• Present findings and recommendations to senior management for strategic decision-making.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Proven experience in procurement, sourcing, and logistics, preferably in a specialty import and distribution setting within the food industry.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills, with experience negotiating contracts and pricing specifically within the food sector.
• Proficiency in import/export regulations and documentation, particularly as they apply to food products.
• Ability to travel internationally, with experience conducting business negotiations and vendor visits in the food industry.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to address challenges unique to the food supply chain.
• Knowledge of inventory management principles and JIT inventory control, with experience managing food product inventory levels.
• Familiarity with food safety regulations and certifications, ensuring compliance with relevant standards.
• Experience working with ERP systems and procurement software, preferably within the context of food import and distribution.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to lead a diverse team in a fast-paced food distribution environment.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic and challenging food industry environment, with a passion for delivering high-quality products to customers.

The Benefits!

• Paid Vacation
• Paid Personal Time Off
• Health Insurance

Salary: $55,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year, plus commission and bonus! (Salary depends on experience)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person