Director of Purchasing
Apply NowCompany: John Soules Foods Inc
Location: Tyler, TX 75703
Description:
Director of Purchasing
Company Information:
John Soules Foods is a thriving family-owned food company that has been making a positive difference for its customers and consumers for nearly 50 years. We are driven by our purpose-and promise-of Great Food, Made Simple. Based in Tyler, Texas, the company is a leading national producer of ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook chicken and beef products, and is the number one producer of chicken and beef fajitas in the USA. We are proud to serve a broad portfolio of great tasting, high quality products that are sold throughout the US via retail, food service distributors, and restaurants. Included in our wide array of national customers are prominent organizations such as Walmart, Costco, Sam's Club, Sysco, and HEB. The company was established in 1975 by John Soules Sr. and the business is now in the second generation of family leadership. The organization has expanded dramatically over the past decade, and with its continued growth now has annual sales of approximately $1 Billion. The company employs over 2,000 individuals and has three manufacturing facilities in Gainesville, Georgia; Valley, Alabama; and at its headquarters in Tyler, Texas.
Responsibilities:
Manage 3 Plant Purchasing Managers (Texas, Georgia, and Alabama) & 1 Corporate Packaging Manager.
Develop and implement purchasing strategies to ensure the company's supply needs are met in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Manage the procurement process for: Product Ingredients, Packaging Film, Corrugate, Cooking Oil, CO2, Nitrogen Gases, Plant Supplies and Employee Supplies, to include Inventory Control and Cash Management.
Create and oversee the RFQ process, ensuring it is efficient and transparent.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors, negotiating contracts to achieve the best possible terms for the company and overall lower cost of ownership.
Oversee sourcing initiatives, identifying potential new/secondary suppliers, and assessing their suitability.
Manage and monitor contracts, ensuring compliance and addressing any issues that arise.
Work closely with other departments on new products, forecast demand and plan purchasing activities accordingly.
Keep up to date with market trends and changes in managed commodities.
Lead, develop and motivate the purchasing team, promoting a culture of high performance and continuous improvement, and teamwork across various departments.
Develop and manage KPI's in line with company's strategic goals and initiatives.
Qualifications:
On- Site, Full Time (No Remote) Location: Tyler, TX
Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
10+ years of experience in purchasing or like role(s) within the food manufacturing industry.
Proven experience managing RFQ processes and negotiating contracts.
Strong vendor management skills, with a track record of building and maintaining positive relationships.
Excellent sourcing skills, with the ability to identify and assess potential suppliers.
Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
Strong excel and analytical skills, with the ability to make informed decisions based on data.
Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
Ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
Must be able to manage and maintain confidential information and maintain the highest ethics in the purchasing process.
Company Information:
John Soules Foods is a thriving family-owned food company that has been making a positive difference for its customers and consumers for nearly 50 years. We are driven by our purpose-and promise-of Great Food, Made Simple. Based in Tyler, Texas, the company is a leading national producer of ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook chicken and beef products, and is the number one producer of chicken and beef fajitas in the USA. We are proud to serve a broad portfolio of great tasting, high quality products that are sold throughout the US via retail, food service distributors, and restaurants. Included in our wide array of national customers are prominent organizations such as Walmart, Costco, Sam's Club, Sysco, and HEB. The company was established in 1975 by John Soules Sr. and the business is now in the second generation of family leadership. The organization has expanded dramatically over the past decade, and with its continued growth now has annual sales of approximately $1 Billion. The company employs over 2,000 individuals and has three manufacturing facilities in Gainesville, Georgia; Valley, Alabama; and at its headquarters in Tyler, Texas.
Responsibilities:
Manage 3 Plant Purchasing Managers (Texas, Georgia, and Alabama) & 1 Corporate Packaging Manager.
Develop and implement purchasing strategies to ensure the company's supply needs are met in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Manage the procurement process for: Product Ingredients, Packaging Film, Corrugate, Cooking Oil, CO2, Nitrogen Gases, Plant Supplies and Employee Supplies, to include Inventory Control and Cash Management.
Create and oversee the RFQ process, ensuring it is efficient and transparent.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors, negotiating contracts to achieve the best possible terms for the company and overall lower cost of ownership.
Oversee sourcing initiatives, identifying potential new/secondary suppliers, and assessing their suitability.
Manage and monitor contracts, ensuring compliance and addressing any issues that arise.
Work closely with other departments on new products, forecast demand and plan purchasing activities accordingly.
Keep up to date with market trends and changes in managed commodities.
Lead, develop and motivate the purchasing team, promoting a culture of high performance and continuous improvement, and teamwork across various departments.
Develop and manage KPI's in line with company's strategic goals and initiatives.
Qualifications:
On- Site, Full Time (No Remote) Location: Tyler, TX
Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
10+ years of experience in purchasing or like role(s) within the food manufacturing industry.
Proven experience managing RFQ processes and negotiating contracts.
Strong vendor management skills, with a track record of building and maintaining positive relationships.
Excellent sourcing skills, with the ability to identify and assess potential suppliers.
Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
Strong excel and analytical skills, with the ability to make informed decisions based on data.
Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
Ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
Must be able to manage and maintain confidential information and maintain the highest ethics in the purchasing process.