Director of Procurement

Are you a procurement or supply chain leader looking for the opportunity to shape sourcing strategy within a growing, mission-driven food manufacturing organization?Our client, a well-established global dairy ingredients and food manufacturing company, is seeking a Procurement Director to lead strategic sourcing, supplier management, and procurement operations across a diverse portfolio of dairy and non-dairy ingredients, packaging materials, consumables, and support services representing more than $350 million in annual spendThis is a highly visible leadership role with direct influence on profitability, supply continuity, risk management, and long-term growth strategy.Why This Opportunity Stands OutThe Procurement Director will develop and execute long-term sourcing strategies that balance inventory requirements with commodity market volatility while ensuring quality, service, and cost objectives are achieved.Key responsibilities include:Developing strategic sourcing and procurement initiativesManaging supplier relationships and contract negotiationsLeading cost optimization and risk mitigation programsMonitoring commodity markets and industry trendsSupporting inventory and replenishment strategiesDriving continuous improvement initiativesLeading and developing a team of procurement professionalsThis position reports directly to the Vice President of Supply Chain and partners closely with Operations, Finance, R&D, Quality, and Commercial teams.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Sourcing & ProcurementDevelop and implement sourcing strategies for dairy and non-dairy ingredients and commoditiesLead supplier selection, negotiations, and contract managementMonitor market conditions, commodity pricing, and supply trendsIdentify opportunities to improve service levels while reducing costsEnsure continuity of supply across critical categoriesSupplier Relationship ManagementBuild and maintain strategic supplier partnershipsMonitor supplier performance related to quality, delivery, and complianceConduct supplier evaluations and auditsSupport supplier qualification and approval programsCost Optimization & Risk ManagementIdentify and execute cost-saving initiativesDevelop contingency plans to mitigate supply disruptionsCollaborate with cross-functional teams on forecasting and inventory strategiesReduce material obsolescence and improve inventory efficiencyCross-Functional LeadershipPartner with Operations, R&D, Quality, Finance, and Supply Chain teamsSupport new product introductions through strategic sourcing initiativesAlign procurement strategies with broader business objectivesMarket Intelligence & AnalyticsUtilize ERP systems and procurement tools to manage purchasing activitiesAnalyze spend data, market trends, and supplier performance metricsDevelop KPI reporting and performance dashboardsMonitor regulatory and industry developments impacting supply and costLeadership & Team DevelopmentLead, mentor, and develop a team of procurement professionalsFoster accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvementChampion best practices across procurement and sourcing functionsQualificationsRequired Experience7–10+ years of progressive procurement or sourcing leadership experience within dairy, food ingredients, food manufacturing, or related process manufacturing environmentsStrong background in commodity purchasing and supplier negotiationsExperience managing significant annual spend and strategic supplier relationshipsDemonstrated success in cost optimization, risk management, and supply continuityStrong analytical, project management, and problem-solving skillsExcellent communication, negotiation, and influencing abilitiesProven ability to lead teams and work effectively across functionsPreferred QualificationsBachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Food Science, Engineering, or related fieldExperience in dairy ingredients, cheese, dairy processing, or food ingredient manufacturingKnowledge of commodity markets and ingredient sourcingERP system experience and advanced data analysis capabilitiesWhat Our Client OffersLeadership role with significant strategic impactOpportunity to influence procurement strategy across a large spend portfolioCollaborative, growth-oriented cultureStrong executive visibilityComprehensive benefits packagePerformance-based bonus opportunityRetirement savings program with company contributionGenerous paid time off and parental leave benefitsCareer development and advancement opportunitiesTuition assistance and professional developmentsupport