Manager, Procurement - Contract Manufacturing

Job Location: Chicago

Chicago HQ (hybrid)

Want to make an impact?

This position is responsible for supporting best in class procurement strategies for external manufacturing. Responsibilities include supplier identification, developing sourcing strategies and value optimization, and supplier relationship management for the Procurement group. The goal of this job is to develop and optimize value within the external manufacturing segment (co-manufacturers, co-packers and novelty), building category knowledge, and expanding manufacturability of products to outside vendors.

Ways you will make a difference

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

• Develop strong relationships with current and potential new suppliers and work with them to identify improvement opportunities for ingredients, packaging materials, and/or equipment.

• Responsible for all aspects of category management. Develop category strategies in consultation with key stakeholders. Conduct category spend analysis and supplier segmentation.

• Conduct supplier relationship management to lower costs, drive innovation, and implement risk management including holding business reviews for select suppliers.

• Develop sourcing strategies and lead cross-functional strategic sourcing activities to select suppliers and drive benefits including gathering requirements, identifying and researching suppliers, developing RFI/RFPs, analyzing supplier responses, conducting negotiations, contracting with selected suppliers and supporting savings tracking activities.

• Develop negotiation strategies and negotiate contracts that will deliver against business objectives.

• Influence, lead and/or direct the development of projects, appropriately collaborating with cross-functional partners, including, but not limited to: Quality, Supply Chain, Virtual Factory Managers, Finance and Marketing.

• Represent procurement on cross-functional teams when appropriate for product development, product changes and new product launches.

• Lead budget efforts and minimize unfavorable PPV, and other financial KPIs/metrics while understanding the specification.

• Develop and execute productivity savings while optimizing supply base and seeking out new technologies.

• Accountable for compliance on Corporate Environmental Sustainability and Regulatory efforts.

• Ensures adherence to all company policies and procedures.

• Understands and demonstrates Agility, Ambition, Collaboration, Sharing and Accountability.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• This position doesn't have any direct reports.

Skills that will make you successful

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills required

• Excellent organization and negotiation skills

• Team player with the ability to work with a diverse set of people, including executive levels of management

• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment

• Projects a positive image and serves as a role model for others

• Strong negotiation, contract development, and analysis skills

• Strong problem solving and strategic thinking ability

• Understands risk management and its implications

• Demonstrate ability to function as a Team Player

• Travel 10-15 %, some International travel required

Experiences that will support your success

• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent related experience

• Master's or certification preferred

• Minimum 5 years' purchasing experience, preferably in a CPG food environment

• Cross Functional Experience a must

• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite, strong emphasis on Excel and PowerPoint

• Knowledge of product labeling regulations and nutritional information helpful

• SAP experience preferred; ERP system experience required

• Bilingual (Spanish) a plus, but not required

#LI-AG1

Ferrara's success in industry-leading innovation has been driven by deep consumer insights, strong retailer co-creation and partnerships, and a dedication to diversity of thought, experience, and people. A privately held company, Ferrara has its global headquarters in Chicago and an operational network of more than 27 locations in North America, Brazil, and China that includes manufacturing, distribution, sales, and R&D facilities. Ferrara is a privately held Ferrero related company. Learn more at www.ferrara.com or www.linkedin.com/company/ferrara-.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, employment decisions and opportunities at Ferrara will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, military or veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy (childbirth or related medical condition), or on any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.