Senior Procurement Manager

Job Title: Senior Procurement Manager Location: Chicagoland

About Us: At the Fresh Factory, we've built a platform to accelerate the growth of emerging food and beverage brands. We are vertically integrated from the farm to the shelf and offer services above and beyond traditional manufacturing, becoming a trusted growth partner for leading brands. Our industry-leading benefits package shows our commitment to the safety and well-being of our employees. The Fresh Factory contributes generously to the cost of medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees and their family members.

Job Description:

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Procurement Manager to join our dynamic team. As the Senior Procurement Manager, you will play the central role in sourcing, negotiating, and procuring raw materials and ingredients that align with our commitment to clean label standards. Your expertise in supply chain management, vendor relations, and strategic sourcing will be instrumental in ensuring the integrity and quality of our products.

Key Responsibilities:

• Procurement: Create and issue purchase orders for all materials required in support of scheduled production. Ensure on time delivery of all products and escalate immediately if required dates are in jeopardy. Forecast supply shortages for impact on production and keep management informed of present/future trends in availability. Manage and coach subordinate procurement staff.

• Strategic Sourcing: Lead the strategic sourcing initiatives for raw materials and packaging used in our clean label products. Identify and qualify suppliers that meet our standards for quality, sustainability, and ethical practices. Embrace and develop local supplier network.

• Vendor Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors and suppliers. Negotiate contracts and terms that optimize cost, quality, and delivery schedules. Oversee and expand our Supplier Evaluation program

• Cost Management: Develop and implement cost-effective strategies without compromising on product quality or safety. Continuously monitor market trends, pricing, and supplier performance to identify opportunities for cost savings.

• Risk Mitigation: Proactively assess and mitigate supply chain risks. Implement contingency plans to ensure uninterrupted supply of materials.

• Quality Assurance: Collaborate closely with our quality assurance team to ensure all materials and ingredients meet regulatory requirements and internal quality standards.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with R&D, production, and marketing teams to support new product development initiatives and ensure timely availability of materials.

• Compliance: Stay informed about industry regulations and ensure procurement activities adhere to legal requirements and ethical standards.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business or related field;

• Minimum 5+ years of direct purchasing (food experience preferred)

• Experience working with ERP systems

• Must have advanced knowledge with Google and/or MS Office Suite

• Must speak English; Spanish a plus

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to adapt to an ever-changing environment while working in a cross-functional team environment

• Display excellent attention to detail

• Thrive in a fast-paced team environment with the ability to manage multiple priorities

• Ability to multitask is essential

• Must have the ability to take initiative when problems arise

• Ability to adapt and be flexible in a variety of situations

• Must have advanced attention to detail with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines

• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills

• Excellent written communication and documentation skills

• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills for dealing cross functionally with peers and management team

• Willing to roll up their sleeves and get work done

• Must be able to lead, support and contribute to team goals

• Flexible hours of availability required

Physical Demands:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequently required to sit; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear

• Specific vision abilities required include close vision and ability to adjust focus

• Ability to frequently walk throughout the production facility including the warehouse

Work Environment:

Production Plant working environment

Food Manufacturing Operations environment

Minor local travel