Procurement Manager-Food Ingredients

Based in Mount Prospect, IL, Mizkan America is a subsidiary of the Mizkan Group, a global, family-owned company that has been Bringing Flavor to Life for more than 220 years. As one of the leading makers of vinegars, condiments and sauces in the United States, Mizkan America maintains 12 manufacturing facilities that serve the retail, foodservice, specialty-Asian and food-ingredient trade channels. We are committed to following our two core principles: continuously challenging the status quo and delivering only the finest products for our customers. Our leadership seeks out, embraces and implements ideas for improvement from all of its employees. Transparency and accountability are two key factors that drive our company's overall management approach.

We are looking for people who are seeking to deliver their best so that we can deliver ours. Above all, we're dedicated to maximizing the potential of our greatest assets-our team members. That's reflected in our ongoing commitment to recruit, develop, reward and retain our talented, multicultural workforce. We hope to see you as part of our team's future success!

Job Summary: The Procurement Manager will be responsible for leading end-to-end sourcing activities for Ingredients categories across the organization. This role requires a deep understanding of procurement processes, tools, and systems, as well as the ability to manage supplier relationships and drive cost reduction initiatives. The ideal candidate will have experience in the food and beverage industry and a proven track record of achieving tangible results in supplier negotiations and category management. The person in this role will also manage a team of two Procurement Buyers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead end-to-end sourcing activities for ingredients procurement, driving program compliance and cost reduction.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement category management strategies and drive supplier relationships.
• Monitor market trends and manage risks accordingly.
• Develop sustainable strategies to increase efficiency and value for the company.
• Manage supplier collaborations and conduct business reviews for critical suppliers.
• Identify and evaluate value-generating projects based on business requirements.
• Ensure that all ingredients meet quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Negotiate contracts and pricing with suppliers to secure the best possible terms for the company.
• Manage a team of procurement professionals, providing guidance and support to ensure effective task delegation and team performance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in procurement or supply chain management, preferably in the food and beverage industry.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to effectively delegate tasks and provide guidance to team members.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Proven experience in category planning, development, and execution.
• Ability to manage supplier relationships and drive cost reduction initiatives.
• Knowledge of procurement processes, tools, and systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) credential.
• Experience with procurement software and tools, including Dynamics 365, Coupa, Mintec, and Jaeggar.
• Prior experience with agricultural commodity ingredients.
• Knowledge of industry-specific regulations and standards.

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