Job Description

Overview:

The Procurement Specialist plays a key role in sourcing essential commodities and ingredients to support production needs, control costs, ensure quality, and maintain compliance with trade and regulatory standards. This position collaborates closely with internal stakeholders and leadership to develop purchasing strategies, identify cost-saving opportunities, and improve procurement processes across the organization.

This role will oversee procurement activities for wheat, wheat-based products, and corn categories, managing a total spend of approximately $125 million annually.

Strategic Leadership & Collaboration

• Define and execute sourcing strategies aligned with organizational goals.

• Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve sourcing efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

• Partner with teams across departments to ensure alignment and smooth communication on procurement priorities.

• Support company-wide initiatives by providing input on sourcing impacts and implementation strategies.

Operational Planning & Execution

• Translate business objectives into actionable procurement plans.

• Monitor commodity markets and manage buying positions to mitigate risk and identify opportunities.

• Recommend purchasing timelines and strategies to ensure timely, cost-effective sourcing.

• Oversee procurement operations to ensure continuous supply and meet budget expectations.

• Implement tracking tools to measure supplier performance and procurement efficiency.

• Coordinate inbound logistics for ingredients and materials to align with production schedules.

• Train and inform internal teams on procurement guidelines and best practices.

Procurement Expertise & Market Intelligence

• Analyze data and market trends to support decision-making and reduce procurement risk.

• Provide regular updates on market conditions, pricing trends, and category risks.

• Align sourcing activities with company policies and risk management frameworks.

• Utilize procurement tools to support key functions, including:

  • Supplier selection and sourcing

  • Contract negotiation and management

  • Inventory control and demand forecasting

  • Cost analysis and optimization

  • Sustainability and compliance tracking

  • End-to-end procure-to-pay process improvements

Supplier Management & Value Delivery

• Lead supplier selection processes, negotiate contracts, and ensure supplier accountability.

• Share category and product knowledge with internal teams and suppliers to drive continuous improvement.

• Evaluate supplier proposals and performance to ensure alignment with quality, cost, and service standards.

• Analyze the financial impact of procurement initiatives and adjust strategies to deliver value.

• Bachelor's degree required.

• 3-5 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain roles focused on commodities or ingredients.

• Experience with performance metrics, data analysis, and supplier evaluation.

• Strong project management skills, including budget oversight and cross-functional coordination.

• Solid understanding of procurement systems, financial controls, and risk management practices.

• Experience managing a procurement spend of $100M+ preferred.

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders and vendors.

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and drive results in a dynamic environment.

• Strong negotiation skills and a track record of cost savings and supplier improvements.

• Proficiency in using data to evaluate options and inform strategic decisions.

• Knowledge of compliance standards (e.g., SOX, accounting principles) and procurement regulations.

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