Director of Procurement - Natural Treats

Job Summary

The Director of Procurement for Natural Treats reports to the Senior Vice President of Global R&D and is based in the Central Garden & Pet’s Nylabone/TFH/Four Paws/IMS/TDBBS division in Neptune City, New Jersey. Reporting responsibilities include strategic planning, supplier relationship management, quality control, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead procurement for business units of natural animal parts including vendor identification, capability assessment and selection, negotiation of vendor terms/conditions/agreements/contracts, new item sourcing (finished goods and raw materials), new item specifications, pricing negotiations/cost management, cost savings initiatives, execution/tracking of purchase orders.
• Monitor commodity price indices and foreign currency exchange trends and propose corresponding strategies for sourcing and negotiation.
• Define procurement strategy to establish supply sources, maximize current and future market conditions, and define contingency planning to ensure critical supplies are met.
• Stay informed about sustainable and ethical sourcing practices in the natural treats industry.
• Leverage depth and breadth of total spend across multiple commodities to deliver maximum cost savings and cost reduction to generate value.
• Support Marketing, R&D, and Creative efforts to grow the business by proactively offering product, packaging, vendor, and manufacturing alternatives (domestic and international).
• Facilitate strategic business decisions by providing actionable, value-added analysis of any relevant emerging and/or current world trade changes.
• Collaborate with Finance on product costing structure relative to material/component cost verification, freight rate verification, duty rates, etc.
• Work closely with Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) to ensure the proper flow of materials/products to meet customer requirements while maintaining appropriate levels of inventory.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years of successful procurement experience, preferably in a fast-paced CPG environment.
• Must be bilingual in Spanish.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities coupled with strong project management and analytical skills.
• High proficiency in negotiation process experience, skills, and tactics.
• Comprehensive cost modeling and "should-cost" estimate analysis.
• Experience in working with cross-functional teams and creating a collaborative environment.
• Able to manage multiple priorities and projects concurrently.
• Detail-oriented with a strong work ethic and organizational skills.
• Ability to quickly develop a deep knowledge of the marketplace and key competitors.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills with exceptional written and verbal communication.
• High energy, results- and people-oriented, assertive/persuasive, team player.
• Ability to maintain the integrity of highly confidential customer and product information.
• Computer proficiency on all MS Office applications with high proficiency in Excel.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Free Life and Disability Insurance.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.
• 401(k) with a 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Access to thousands of free online courses.
• Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
• Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications).
• Referral Program with a cash bonus.
• Access to on-demand pay.
• Paid parental leave.