Manager, Direct Procurement - Planning & Analytics

Responsibilities

• Evaluates various market trends and internal trends to support strategic proposals across Direct categories.
• Supports the management of ongoing vendor relationships and supplier performance across the portfolio through improved KPI development, analysis, and management.
• Identifies strategic opportunities which result in cost savings, areas for efficiency and opportunities for Procurement team.
• Follows procurement strategies, policies and procedures as defined by the leadership team, develops a comprehensive understanding of the business and user requirements for assigned spend categories.
• Develops a business relationship with functional stakeholders on the Operations, Brand, Marketing & Project teams and solicits feedback on procurement and vendor performance, shares and identifies new opportunities for improvement.
• Drive tracking and reporting for all areas of Direct Procurement; develop tracking mechanisms and supplier key performance indicators with the Director; tracks compliance and develops leakage reports; supports formal management reporting to director and other members of senior management.
• Maintains on-time delivery of all materials by monitoring status of open purchase orders and resolving issues.
• Determines and establishes optimal inventory levels based on forecast, demand variation and equipment lead times.
• Drives process improvement workstreams to support both Procurement and cross-functional business partners.
• Supports the development of cross-functional teams by identifying internal customers and stakeholders for inclusion; interfaces with internal customers to understand requirements and resolves issues.
• Identifies and partners with business stakeholders to execute cost reduction opportunities to achieve financial goals without compromising quality or service.
• Lead or input in special projects as required.
• Supports system development, implementation, and monitoring to ensure material readiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field preferred: business, supply chain, finance
• 5+ years in procurement or related analytical fields (finance, planning, etc.)
• Direct Procurement experience preferred (packaging, ingredients, etc.)
• Expertise in the supplier market landscapes: major suppliers, trends, threats, terms, etc.
• Strong analytical skills required.
• Hands-on expertise in developing and implementing programs for cost reduction, supplier performance management and inventory reduction and well-versed in all stages of procurement.
• APICS or Supply Chain Certification is preferred.
• Experience with MRP/ERP systems preferred.
• Highly motivated, self-directed, innovative, and able to work independently or among teams with keen judgement, common sense and resourcefulness.
• Adapts and thrives in a demanding, start-up, fast-paced environment.
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills (verbal, non-verbal, written), with the ability to build relationships at all levels, both internally and externally.
• Possesses a high level of critical thinking & problem solving.
• Operates with a high level of professionalism and integrity, including dealing with confidential information.
• Ability to travel up to 15%