Director, Sourcing (Protein)
About the role
Kinder’s is aggressively expanding into protein, including meat snacks and frozen products, and we’re looking for a sourcing leader who knows this space and is excited to help build it. The Director, Sourcing (Protein) will own and scale our sourcing capabilities across protein and core ingredients—building the supplier network, navigating market volatility, and enabling rapid product innovation. This is not a maintenance role. You’ll be stepping into a business that is scaling quickly, where structure is still being built and priorities evolve fast. This role is ideal for someone who brings deep subject matter expertise in protein sourcing and wants to take a hands-on role in shaping how sourcing operates at a growing, entrepreneurial company.
Key Responsibilities Include
Build & Scale Protein Sourcing
Own sourcing strategy across protein categories (beef, pork, chicken) and key ingredients
Build and evolve sourcing capabilities to support rapid expansion into meat snacks, frozen, and new product formats
Partner closely with R&D and Commercialization to bring new products to market quickly and efficiently
Own the Supplier Network
Build and manage direct relationships with processors, suppliers, and producers
Make calls on supplier selection, diversification, and when to go direct vs. leverage co-man sourcing
Establish a resilient supply base that can scale with the business and handle volatility
Navigate Complexity & Market Volatility
Operate confidently in protein markets—managing pricing swings, availability constraints, yields, and specs
Stay close to the market and make informed, real-time decisions to protect supply and margin
Use data and tools (Mintec, Urner Barry, commodity indices) but also bring strong judgment and instincts
Drive Cost, Value & Commercial Outcomes
Lead negotiations and structure agreements that balance cost, flexibility, and long-term partnership
Identify and execute on cost savings, efficiency gains, and value creation opportunities
Understand and influence total cost (not just price), including yield, specs, and operational impact
Ensure Quality & Execution
Partner with Quality and Operations to ensure all inputs meet food safety, regulatory, and product standards
Align specifications across suppliers and co-manufacturers
Anticipate and mitigate supply, quality, and cold-chain risks—especially for frozen and perishable products
Be a Cross-Functional Operator
Work closely with Co-Manufacturing, Supply Planning, Demand Planning, and Operations to ensure sourcing aligns with production realities
Act as the connective tissue between suppliers and internal teams to keep things moving
Step into gaps, solve problems, and keep projects advancing without waiting for perfect structure
What You Bring To The Table
Deep expertise in protein sourcing—you understand the realities of this space and have operated in it directly
Builder mindset—you’re comfortable creating structure, not just operating within it
Strong ownership mentality—you take accountability and move things forward
Education / Experience
7+ years of experience in sourcing within food/CPG, with significant hands-on experience in protein
Direct experience working with processors, producers, and/or sourcing at origin
Strong understanding of protein markets: pricing mechanisms, yields, specifications, and supply constraints
Experience supporting commercialization and scaling products, ideally across meat snacks and/or frozen
Business and Operational Acumen
Solid understanding of end-to-end supply chain, including co-manufacturing and cold chain
Ability to connect sourcing decisions to downstream operational and financial impact
Track record of delivering results in fast-moving, less structured environments
Ways of Working
Highest level of collaboration, but not dependent on perfect alignment to move forward
Clear communicator who can work across functions and with external partners
Grounded, pragmatic, and solutions-oriented
Additional Requirements
Ability to travel up to 30% as needed