Procurement Operations Manager

At Flavor Producers, Powered by Glanbia Nutritionals Inc., our portfolio centers on dairy and non-dairy nutritional ingredients. We co-innovate and deliver ingredient solutions and precision premixes for use in the mainstream food and beverage, infant and clinical, and functional nutrition markets.

We are the number one provider of whey-based nutritional ingredients globally and the number one producer of American-style cheddar cheese. Our protein systems have transformed the bar and beverage categories — bringing increased levels of protein, cleaner labels, and greater product functionality to market.

We have a direct presence in twenty-one countries, with manufacturing facilities in the US, Canada, Germany, and China. With international sales and technical offices around the world.

Job Summary

This is a role that will span process & systems expertise, business unit level project management, and operational excellence. You will have the opportunity to develop and implement Planning and Procurement end-to-end processes which enhance productivity and effectiveness while improving service to the customer.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the subject matter expert for all process impacting planning material requirements and purchase order execution and management for all direct materials spanning >2,500 unique materials and >$35MM in spend.
• Support the system and process integration of all flavor businesses.
• You will be engaged in driving continuous improvement for established processes and proposing new processes.
• Ensure KPIs are defined and implemented, and action taken against deviation from operating parameters.
• Lead S&OE meetings for Procurement and report on latest supply challenges.
• Build a deep understanding of the “as is” policies, processes, data, systems, and capabilities.
• Lead procurement activities and support Category Management’s strategic vision.
• Coordinate/Lead meetings between suppliers, category team members, and stakeholders.
• Support change management to ensure limited stock outs and available supply.
• Ensure on-time delivery of all raw materials to meet the designated lead-times of our product offerings.
• Management of a team of procurement agents responsible for the replenishment of raw materials across our North American flavors business.
• Manage the PDP Personal Development Plan (utilizing Success Factors) program for the team, ensuring goals and objectives are defined for each team member around optimization opportunities, personal/departmental development, and the teams Core responsibilities.
• Responsibility for monthly 1-1 review of objectives and feedback on employee progress.
• Along with team members, create Individual Development and Objective Plans for team members seen as being high-potential members that can feed into the overall succession management strategy for the Procurement Organization.
• Drive regular, individual reviews with team member(s) to assess performance and provide course correction where required.
• Establish KPI’s and key deliverables for the team. Measure and report out on team progress.
• Develop step-action guides (SAGs) to document day-to-day processes for the department.
• In collaboration with commercial teams and demand planner and for assigned areas of spend, order direct materials to ensure minimal stock out occurrences and maximum customer demand adherence.
• Where the planning function is determining a purchasing plan for components, this role will ensure agents interpret the plan and execute orders in accordance with the requirements.
• Where the planning function is not responsible for determining raw material requirements, this role will perform material requirements planning as well as order management activities described below.
• Manage orders to ensure fulfillment meets the needs of the production schedule including: Understand the urgency of orders and work with the supply base to expedite and deliver on time. Work with internal stakeholders and agreed processes to expedite the approval of new direct materials/substitutes on an urgent basis.
• Consider and examine facts within the supply chain and the demand profile and work with key stakeholders to identify the appropriate action to mitigate or prevent issues.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to report and manage product shortages and material availability.
• Work with procurement agents to clear any 3-way match issues delaying payment to suppliers.
• Manager will present on buying strategies and strategic purchases.
• In all cases, the role will maintain clear communication with planning and/or production and customer service around any delays on component availability.
• Where available, communicate ingredient demand forecasts to suppliers to support supplier planning activities.
• Work closely with the Category Management team to understand Category strategy such that orders are placed in adherence with the defined strategy.
• As issues arise in strategy execution, work closely with the Category to agree adjustments to the strategy to support business operations.
• Support customer projects and new product commercialization efforts by managing non-planned orders and providing feedback on raw material availability to the product development teams.
• Re-direct sourcing requests to Category Management team as required.
• Ensure procurement agents follow-up and close out all supplier non-conformances within the agreed upon timeframe.
• Ensure all SMOG materials are addressed and work with Finance and Operations to manage end of life.
• Support in coordinating Logistics (Import & Domestic) for inbound materials and supplier returns.
• As requested, participate in Customer facing calls to discuss supply related topics.
• Scope and implement change projects that will deliver continuous improvement to service levels and cost effectiveness.
• Function as a key advocate of operational excellence and efficiency with all stakeholders.
• Prioritize and manage deliverables to ensure that all aspects of the change get appropriately managed.

Qualifications

• Procurement experience in food manufacturing industry is preferred.
• Flexibility and adaptability are key attributes needed for success, you should also have strong analytical, project management, and leadership skills to manage a variety of activities and complexities spanning the organization.
• You are willing to work at both an incredibly detailed and strategic level.

Education, Training:

• Bachelor's degree or APICs Certification recommended.
• Lean/Six Sigma certification of benefit.
• ISM CPSM of benefit.

Experience Required:

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in Procurement or Supply Chain roles.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and in written form.
• Experience in SAP or similar ERP is required.
• Experience in SAGE or similar ERP is preferred.
• Previous experience with systems integration is preferred.
• Strong business understanding with the ability to manage multiple, rapidly changing and potentially conflicting priorities.
• Experience leading process improvement / continuous improvement initiatives
• Experience managing people or processes
• Proven ability to operate autonomously across multiple teams in a matrix organization including acting as a liaison between functional teams to ensure adherence to business requirements.
• Strong ability to lead teams with or without direct reports, natural leader and motivator, lead through influence.
• Engage in process measurement development, compliance, key performance drivers, improvement.
• Comply with all safety policies, practices, and procedures. Report all unsafe activities to supervisor and/or Human Resources
• Influence decisions and change management through collaboration, leadership, and a customer-focused approach

Travel Requirements:

Minimal travel required (up to 25%) and depends on business needs.

Must perform the essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation efficiently and accurately without causing significant safety threat to self or others. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all personnel so classified.

Are you someone who likes to make it happen, make it better and make it fun? If so, our company offers you an excellent opportunity to do interesting work and develop a career in a dynamic and innovative environment that is all about making you and our business successful.