PROCUREMENT MANAGER - DIRECT

Are you a strategic thinker with a knack for negotiation and a passion for optimizing supply chains? As a result of an approaching retirement KENT® Corporation is looking for a dynamic Procurement Manager to lead our procurement team and drive cost-effective purchasing strategies. This position is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and procuring goods and services for KENT by identifying suppliers, evaluating their offerings, negotiating contracts, and ensuring timely delivery of high-quality products while optimizing costs, all while collaborating with different departments to align procurement decisions with the organization's goals and objectives.

• This position is designed and intended to be performed in Muscatine, IA.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversees the activities of a group of procurement agents/buyers who contract with vendors for raw materials, supplies, equipment or services required by the company.
• Leads project teams which align to organizational goals.
• Encourages growth, assists in coaching/teaching and personnel development of direct reports.
• Responsible for workforce planning to ensure the efficient operation of the function: Staffing, development, performance management/evaluation, diversity, health/safety, and employee relations.
•  This position will be responsible for talent development of direct reports.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: 

•  Negotiates contracts, develops corporate supply strategies and fosters supplier integration.
•  Continuously evaluate and improve procurement practices, including identifying cost-saving opportunities and process enhancements.
•  Works toward long-term planning and implementation.
•  Leads project teams which align to organizational goals.
•  Creates short term goals and objectives for department to align with long term goals.
•  Encourages growth, assists in coaching/teaching and personnel development of direct reports.
•  Collaborate with key stakeholders in resolving problems.
•  Self-driven and independently established their own direction.
•  Support and review Corporate Procurement Policy and Procedures.
•  Able to back fill for the Director when absent.
• Ensure the Director is comprehensively updated on all activities, conditions, and factors that could impact the organization, whether positively or negatively.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND/OR QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain management, or a related field plus 8 years’ experience or minimum 15 years Procurement related experience required.
• Able to align Procurement with strategic goals of the Corporation.
• Familiar with variety of concepts, practices, and procedures within the Procurement realm.
• Ability to write and interpret business reports, documents, and information.
• Effective communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Complete understanding of contracts and ability to read and write terms and conditions and SOW’s.
• Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
• Performs a variety of complex tasks.
• Wide degree of creativity and latitude is required.
• Would be willing and able to manage the daily functions and tasks of others.
• Capacity to assume more significant responsibilities.
• Food, Packaging or Manufacturing experience preferred.

TRAVEL EXPECTED: 

• Up to 40%