Category Manager -Raw Ingredients

What We're Looking For

We are seeking an experienced Category Manager. Reporting to the VP of Procurement, this Category Manager will lead the development and execution of sourcing strategies for rice and vegetable proteins. This role involves working closely with various departments to optimize supply chain operations, manage supplier relationships, and drive cost-saving initiatives.

In this role, you will be responsible for driving the development and execution of sourcing strategies that prioritize quality and sustainability. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product offerings and optimize supply chain operations. Your leadership will empower our organization to set new benchmarks in the industry, ensuring that we deliver exceptional value to our customers while supporting their growth in a competitive market. If you are passionate about quality and innovation, we invite you to bring your expertise to our team!

What You'll Be Doing

• Develop category strategic plans, annual sourcing plans and work with the purchasing coordinators to execute sourcing and negotiation for these categories to ensure supply and continuous improvement in cost, quality, and value. Sourcing plans include identifying and developing secondary supply options where needed and developing appropriate risk mitigation strategies.
• Work with leadership from Procurement, Operations, Finance, and Sales to develop a contracting strategy and execute contracts for supply in support of customer contracts and business requirements. Initiate new supplier approval for ongoing ingredients and secondary sources with QA R&C, NPD, and the Purchasing team.
• Manage ongoing safety stock and master data for these categories in conjunction with market and operational changes to achieve OTIF and working capital goals.
• Lead the investigation with the purchasing team and suppliers on material outages and issues to identify root causes and implement corrective actions for the direct issue and to prevent future issues.
• Monitor market conditions and provide market updates to leadership, sales team, and customers.
• Support improvement in Sustainable Procurement internally with the Purchasing team, and externally with suppliers and customers.
• Negotiate prices, payment terms, and all contract terms with rice and vegetable protein suppliers to ensure that the best value for the business is met.
• Work closely with the Purchasing team and QA R&C team to ensure regulatory requirements are met for ingredients and suppliers.
• Partner with our Innovation/R&D function to clearly identify functional and other requirements of current ingredients and securing material samples and documentation from alternate suppliers for evaluation and potential trials for new ingredients and/or new suppliers.
• Lead sourcing teams to manage supply and demand for both short-term and long-term horizons.

What You Bring

• Experience and understanding of the key drivers of the food industry (production, ingredients, CPG).
• 5 - 7 years of experience in procurement sourcing and management in the food industry.
• A C.P.M or CPSM certification from the Institute for Supply Management preferred.
• Experience in strategic sourcing and negotiating with both domestic and international suppliers.
• Experience with ERP systems and e-sourcing tools to manage and identify best value sources of supply. Microsoft Dynamics AX (DAX) system helpful.
• Ability to travel to professional events, training and supplier locations as needed, estimated to be 20-30%.

What We Offer

• Base Salary 125k-145k DOE
• 20% Annual Bonus
• Medical, Dental, Vision, HSF, Life Insurance
• 401k Match
• PTO Sick time and Vacation
• Educational Assistance
• Travel opportunities to industry events and supplier locations (20-30%)