Job Details

VP of Corporate Procurement - Frozen Food Manufacturer

Objective: The VP of Procurement is responsible for leading the procurement department to achieve positive outcomes. This role oversees all raw materials as well as some indirect items at manufacturing facilities in Jackson, OH; Archbold, OH; and Vernon, CA. Responsibilities include directing category managers across the U.S. and managing purchasing staff at each location. Key duties involve driving cost-saving projects, negotiating contracts and supplier agreements, ensuring adequate raw material supply, resolving supplier issues, monitoring market data, optimizing procurement strategies for market-driven commodities, guiding sourcing for project trials and product start-ups, and collaborating with other departments.

Primary Duties

• Supervision: Lead purchasing staff, including four category managers and teams at each manufacturing facility. Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with company objectives, measured by purchase price variance (PPV).
• Goal Setting: Establish and manage goals for team members consistent with company missions. Conduct periodic reviews for continuous improvement and personal growth.
• Cost Savings: Drive cost-saving strategies, initiatives, and projects at each manufacturing location.
• Supplier Relationships: Build and maintain strong relationships with all suppliers.
• Vendor Negotiation: Lead negotiations with vendors (RFPs) to secure favorable costs, sourcing strategies, and advantageous terms. Review bids, contracts, and amendments for accuracy, scope, performance requirements, and compliance.
• Supply Management: Ensure adequate raw material supply to meet production schedules while supporting EOQ, shelf-life specifications, and cash flow goals.
• Market Monitoring: Stay informed of significant trends and changes in suppliers, commodities, and prices to capitalize on opportunities and enhance product margins. Communicate major changes in price or supply to senior leadership promptly.
• Market Strategies: Develop strategies for market-driven commodities including proteins, flour, soybean oil, cheeses, other ingredients, and packaging.
• Legal Coordination: Facilitate resolution between company legal and suppliers to finalize agreements.
• Quality Assurance Support: Assist in resolving quality issues and non-conformances, including obtaining reimbursement for associated costs.
• Innovation Sourcing: Direct the sourcing process for new and innovative materials for R&D.
• Product Rollouts: Support new product launches by ensuring all new materials are ready for production, planning initial inventories, and replenishment/safety stock strategies.
• Cost Standards: Lead the procurement team in developing yearly material cost standards based on thorough analysis, including vendor/industry status, supply and demand tables, global influences, government policies, and weather conditions.
• Reporting: Prepare procurement reports, analysis, and recommendations for company leadership.

Key Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business management or supply chain management. MBA & Professional Certification (CPM, CPCM, CPSM) are a plus.
• 10+ years of leadership experience in strategic sourcing, category strategies, supplier relations, and project management in the frozen food industry.
• Ability to independently manage multiple projects from conception to completion in a fast-paced, global team environment.
• Experience collaborating with legal counsel to negotiate contract terms and conditions.
• Excellent presentation skills and proficiency in creating presentations using PowerPoint.
• Strong computer skills, ideally experience with MS Office, Outlook, and Excel.
• Some travel is required.

Competencies/Behaviors

• Effective leadership and motivational skills for daily employee management. Strong communication skills across all levels of the organization.
• Highly organized, motivated self-starter with the ability to manage time and prioritize workload effectively.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and address challenges.
• Results-driven with a focus on process improvement.
• Superb negotiation skills.
• Understanding of supplier agreement terms.
• Strong ethics and integrity.
• Ability to foster a culture of open and direct dialogue.

Desired Qualifications

• Working knowledge of SAP purchasing and requirements planning.
• Familiarity with FSMA, SQF, USDA, FDA, HCCP, and GMP requirements.
• International procurement experience.