Procurement Director- Indirects

Job Description

The Director of Procurement is responsible for developing and executing category strategies for Indirect materials and services across Ghirardelli, Lindt & Sprungli (USA), and Lindt & Sprungli (North America), while collaborating with functions to prioritize projects focused on cost efficiencies and strategic sourcing, leading cost-saving initiatives, implementing the new Indirect Operating Model across North America, and advancing responsible sourcing and supplier social responsibility in alignment with the Lindt Responsible Sourcing Program. The Director of Procurement will manage a team of 3 individuals while managing a spend of $650M across (1) Business Services, (2) Marketing & Sales, (3) Production, Building & Utilities.

The position maintains alignment with the global procurement strategy and the directives of the Head Group Indirect Procurement in Lindt International.

Essential Functions

Category Strategy Development and Execution

• Ensure development of category strategies for Indirect materials and services in close collaboration and alignment with the Group Head of Indirect Procurement, focusing on cost, quality, and supplier alignment with organizational goals.
• Conduct market analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities across main spend categories in scope.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with suppliers, negotiating favorable terms for quality, cost, and supply assurance.

Contract Negotiation & Execution

• Lead contract negotiations with largest suppliers, in collaboration with direct reports, to secure favorable terms, conditions, and pricing, balancing quality, service, risk management, and cost objectives.
• Ensure robust contracts are developed, that support long-term supplier relationships and protect the company's interests.
• Ensure that all contract terms align with legal and compliance requirements, as well as the organization's procurement strategies.
• Ensure suppliers comply with the agreed contractual terms.
• Ensure agreements with Group suppliers are correctly implemented across the relevant subsidiaries in North America, collaborating closely with Group Indirect Procurement where appropriate

Manage and Prioritize Procurement Project Pipeline

• Work across functions to understand and support their procurement requirements, building a yearly pipeline of projects with associated benefit targets in alignment with the functions
• Evaluate project priority to assign resources and ensure successful implementation of project pipeline.

Utilities Forecasting, Budget Management, and Finance Collaboration

• Oversee procurement price forecasting processes to support accurate operational planning and budgeting for utilities, working closely with Finance for alignment.
• Monitor budget expenditures and analyze variances for utilities.

Cost-Savings Program and Execution

• Drive a comprehensive cost-savings program through strategic sourcing, supplier consolidation, and value-design initiatives.
• Lead cost savings ideation workshop sessions across Ghirardelli, Lindt & Sprungli (USA), and Lindt & Sprungli North America

• Lead and motivate direct reports, as well as resources from different functions, to jointly deliver the identified cost savings opportunities.
• Ensure tracking and reporting on cost savings, communicating achievements and goals with stakeholders.
• Partner with suppliers to identify cost-saving opportunities while ensuring continuous improvement in quality, service, and efficiency.
• Collaborate with the Group Indirect Procurement team to support the execution of global initiatives.

New Operating Model and Group Procurement Policy Implementation

• Collaborate in the development, rollout, and change management of the new Indirect Operating Model, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
• Lead the implementation of the new Group Procurement Policy by identifying gaps, delivering targeted training, and driving cross-functional adoption to ensure seamless integration and compliance.

Digitalization Roadmap and Best Practice Implementation

• Collaborate with Lindt Group Procurement to drive the digitalization roadmap, implementing best practices and innovative tools in procurement.
• Adopt new technologies and systems to enhance process efficiency, data visibility, compliance, and decision-making in collaboration with Process and System Procurement Manager and Head of Group Procurement Process and System

Sustainability and Responsible Sourcing

• Support global sustainability efforts by implementing the Lindt Responsible Sourcing approach.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to align responsible sourcing practices, achieving targets for the Indirect Category.
• Execute decarbonizations projects in close partnership with Head of Responsible Sourcing, reducing environmental impact, and supporting company sustainability goals.
• Ensure reporting of responsible sourcing compliance as part of the Non-Financial Reporting cycle.
• Drive Supplier Code of Conduct and Corporate Social Responsibility audit compliance.

Supplier Performance Management and Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate across functions to monitor supplier performance vs. agreed quality and service standards.
• Implement supplier scorecards and conduct regular performance reviews with largest suppliers, ensuring improvement plans are in place where necessary.

Risk Management and Planning Collaboration

• Identify potential risks and develop contingency plans to protect the organization from supply interruptions or volatility.

Leadership and People Management

• Ability to lead, mentor, and develop a team of three, fostering high-performance and collaborative environment culture.
• Possess strong leadership and influential skills to collaborate effectively across functions, ensuring alignment and driving results in a matrixed environment.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in driving category management and strategy, with a strong track record of delivering cost savings and value creation.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience across various indirect procurement categories, with a preferred solid knowledge across the following four areas: Business Services (IT, HR, facility management, professional services, etc.), Marketing & Sales (marketing agencies, POS, market research, etc.), Production, Building & utilities (capex, MRO, energy, etc.), Supply Chain (transportation, warehousing, co-packing, co-manufacturing).
• Minimum of 10 years of experience leading and managing procurement teams, with demonstrated success in team development, performance management, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Track record of delivering consistent year over year savings.
• Proven expertise in strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, and supplier relationship management.
• Strong knowledge of sustainability principles, responsible sourcing practices, digital procurement tools, and supply risk management.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

Personal Characteristics

• Strategic Thinker: Able to align procurement strategies with organizational goals.
• Results-Driven: Focused on delivering measurable outcomes such as cost savings, risk mitigation, and process efficiencies.
• Innovative Problem Solver: Capable of developing creative solutions for complex procurement challenges.
• Collaborative Leader: Builds strong cross-functional partnerships with stakeholders and suppliers.
• Negotiation Expert: Adept at negotiating favorable terms while maintaining long-term supplier relationships.
• Influential Communicator: Effectively conveys procurement strategies and inspires teams at all levels.

Company Description

Lindt and Sprungli (North America) Inc. is the Supply Chain and Business Shared Services Company supporting the Lindt & Sprungli family of brands (Lindt USA, Ghirardelli Chocolates and Russell Stover Chocolates), headquartered in Kansas City, MO.

Employment by Lindt & Sprungli (North America) Inc. is contingent upon I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification, passing the urinalysis drug screen, and satisfactory employment and background checks.

Lindt & Sprungli (North America) Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation and gender identity, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, or any other status protected by law. Principals only, please.