Protein Procurement Manager

About the Role

The Senior Manager, Protein Procurement will lead the execution of protein sourcing and supplier management across The Farmer's Dog's supply chain—from intent to purchase through delivery. Reporting to the Director, Protein Procurement, you will drive how we build, manage, and grow supplier and first-mile freight partnerships, and lead the identification, negotiation, and onboarding of new partners that deliver quality, reliability, and competitive value at scale.

You’ll be a key escalation point for material supply risk, translating complex, cross-functional problems into clear action plans, and helping run the frameworks (KPIs, cost models, contingency plans) that let the broader Planning and Procurement team operate proactively rather than reactively. This role partners closely with Manufacturing, FSQR, Finance, and Supply Chain leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of the protein raw material procurement strategy across all plants, driving best practices in sourcing, inventory management, and supplier relationship management.
• Resolve complex or high-stakes supply issues, driving root cause analyses (RCAs) and continuous improvement programs across Manufacturing, FSQR, and external partners; build escalation frameworks that prevent recurrence.
• Manage supplier and co-manufacturer relationships day-to-day, including contract negotiation and partnership execution within the pricing and sourcing strategy set by the Director; track and mitigate fees related to material obsolescence.
• Manage the supplier KPI framework; hold suppliers accountable to performance standards and lead corrective action and continuous-improvement initiatives company-wide.
• Own the material forecasting process end-to-end, translating market trends and cost drivers into forecasts and narratives that inform Finance, Manufacturing, and executive stakeholders.
• Lead new supplier sourcing and onboarding execution, including vetting, risk assessment, and negotiating commercial terms for new raw material partners within the Director's sourcing strategy.
• Track and report on the procurement budget for protein raw materials, flagging cost risks and performance against targets to the Director.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in Purchasing, Supply Chain, or Manufacturing, including experience leading cross-functional workstreams or initiatives.
• Proven track record negotiating supplier contracts and managing supplier performance at scale.
• Strong leadership and influencing skills, with the ability to guide cross-functional partners without formal authority.
• Excellent verbal, written, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Experience managing KPI frameworks, forecasting models, and cost/budget reporting.
• Strong project management skills and demonstrated success leading cross-functional initiatives.
• Results-oriented, self-motivated, and comfortable operating with a high degree of autonomy.
• Superior problem-solving skills and ability to think outside the box in ambiguous situations.
• Deep understanding of Material Requirements Planning (MRP).
• USDA, FDA, and Frozen Food experience required.
• Strong computer skills—Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Google Docs.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% of the time.
• Must love dogs!

Schedule

This is an in-office role requiring 4–5 days per week on-site to foster collaboration and engagement.

Benefits

• Dog-friendly office in SoHo.
• Market-competitive compensation and equity packages.
• Comprehensive healthcare, dental, and vision coverage.
• Company-supported mental health benefits.
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Competitive 401k plan with company match.
• Flexible PTO.
• Discounted fresh food for your pup.

Pay

NYC Pay Range: $95,000–$115,000 USD annually, plus equity ownership in the company. The range may vary for locations outside NYC.