Procurement Director

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Sourcing & Procurement
  • Develop and implement sourcing strategies for dairy and non-dairy commodity ingredients
  • Lead supplier selection, contract negotiations, and performance management
  • Monitor commodity markets and dairy industry trends to anticipate cost fluctuations and supply risks
  • Develop and execute sourcing strategies for dairy and non-dairy commodities, negotiating contract pricing and terms with suppliers to secure favorable agreements and reduce costs
• Supplier Relationship Management
  • Monitor supplier performance regarding quality, delivery, and compliance, initiating corrective actions when necessary
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure quality, reliability, and innovation
  • Conduct regular supplier evaluations and audits to ensure compliance with food safety and sustainability standards
  • Maintain compliance with, and complete all required training associated with, the Supplier Approval Program
• Cost Optimization & Risk Management
  • Identify cost-saving opportunities through value analysis, supplier consolidation, and process improvements
  • Develop contingency plans to mitigate supply chain disruptions
  • Collaborate with production or sales teams to forecast demand, maintain optimal inventory levels, and prevent shortages or excessive stock (distress)
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with R&D, Quality Assurance, Production, and Finance to align sourcing strategies with business goals
  • Support new product development by sourcing innovative ingredients and materials
• Market Intel & Systems Management
  • Utilize ERP systems to manage procurement activities and generate reports
  • Analyze spend data and market intelligence to inform strategic decisions
  • Analyze dairy commodity markets, regulatory changes, and pricing trends to anticipate fluctuations and mitigate risk
  • Manage the category budget, track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as cost savings and supplier compliance, and ensure accurate invoicing
• Leadership Engagement & Brand Stewardship
  • Lead, mentor, and supervise junior buyers or procurement assistants, providing direction, training, and performance feedback
  • Represent Ornua’s brand and values with professionalism and integrity in all external and internal interactions
• Commitment to Continuous Improvement and Flexibility
  • Comply with all safety guidelines and regulatory standards, setting an example in maintaining high ethical standards and practices
  • Comply with all company purchasing policies and procedures
  • Comply with all laws and regulations for procured products and services of the company
  • Demonstrate exceptional adaptability, managing diverse tasks and responding proactively to evolving business needs
  • Recommend new processes or systems for improvement, implementation of new ideas and strategies

Experience and Requirements

• Minimum Qualifications:
  • 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in dairy product and commodity purchasing within a dairy manufacturing environment
  • Knowledge of pasteurized process cheese or strong willingness to learn quickly
  • Proven ability to manage complex supplier relationships with strong commercial acumen
  • Skilled in project management, cross-functional collaboration, and problem-solving, with strong analytical ability
  • High attention to detail, ownership, and accountability
  • Exceptional communication, negotiation, influencing, and presentation skills
  • Collaborative working style with the ability to influence and partner across cross-functional teams
  • Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, resilience, and self-motivation
  • Ability to work effectively with internal teams at regional, national, and potentially global levels
• Desired Qualifications:
  • Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Science, or a related field
  • Experience within a food-ingredients manufacturing environment (if dairy experience is already strong)
  • Experience with product application demonstrations

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Life Insurance, Accident, Hospital, and Critical Illness coverage
• 401(k) with company matching and 100% immediate vesting
• Generous Paid Time Off
• 20 weeks of Maternity Leave, Parental Leave
• Annual Incentive Bonus
• Career Growth and advancement opportunities
• Education Reimbursement