Manager, Purchasing - Live Goods

About the role

The Procurement Manager will play a pivotal role in supporting Burpee's growth and commitment to quality. Reporting to the Director of Supply Chain, this role oversees sourcing and supplier management initiatives across various departments.

Responsibilities

• Manage procurement activities for raw materials, finished goods, live goods, contract seed production, and operational supplies.
• Manage the end-to-end planning and implementation of all contract seed production for exclusive, non-exclusive, and proprietary varieties.
• Develop and maintain strategic supplier relationships, including performance management, cost reduction initiatives, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Lead and execute RFQ and sourcing activities to improve quality, increase competition, and optimize costs.
• Monitor and assess market conditions or trends to identify supply chain risks and opportunities.
• Drive resolution of supplier quality and performance issues.
• Partner with Finance on annual procurement budgets and forecasting.
• Collaborate with Planning and Production teams to ensure material availability and continuity of supply.
• Support Marketing and Design teams with sourcing and cost analysis for merchandising and display initiatives.
• Identify and evaluate new sourcing opportunities that strengthen Burpee's competitive position.
• Maintain accurate procurement data, purchase orders, and supplier records within ERP systems.
• Forecast purchasing requirements and inventory needs in partnership with key stakeholders.
• Support vendor, receiving, and inventory issue resolution.
• Continuously improve and optimize procurement processes, inventory management, and supplier performance.

Requirements

• Proven success negotiating complex, high-value supplier agreements and long-term contracts.
• Extensive experience managing domestic and international procurement and sourcing activities.
• Experience leading and developing purchasing or procurement teams.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to conduct cost-benefit analyses, manage budgets, and forecast demand.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and procurement technologies a must.
• Strong business acumen, negotiation skills, and supplier relationship management expertise.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution in a fast-paced heavily seasonal environment.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Experience managing relationships with contract seed growers is preferred but not required.
• Experience working in a D365 environment preferred but not required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in procurement, sourcing, or related field.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale procurement operations.
• Experience in contract seed production and management is a plus.

Skills

• Strategic thinking and execution.
• Supplier relationship management.
• Cost-benefit analysis and budget management.
• ERP/MRP systems proficiency.
• Market trend analysis and risk assessment.
• Collaborative problem-solving.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package.
• Flexible work schedule.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Employee recognition programs.
• Health and wellness benefits.

Pay

Commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Full-time, Monday through Friday.