Senior Buyer, Indirect Procurement

Based in Mount Prospect, IL, Mizkan America is a subsidiary of the Mizkan Group, a global, family-owned company that has been Bringing Flavor to Life™ for over 220 years. As one of the leading makers of vinegars, condiments, and sauces in the United States, Mizkan America maintains 12 manufacturing facilities that serve the retail, foodservice, specialty-Asian, and food-ingredient trade channels. We are committed to following our two core principles: continuously challenging the status quo and delivering only the finest products for our customers. Our leadership seeks out, embraces, and implements ideas for improvement from all of its employees. Transparency and accountability are two key factors that drive our company’s overall management approach.

We are looking for people who are seeking to deliver their best so that we can deliver ours. Above all, we’re dedicated to maximizing the potential of our greatest assets—our team members. That’s reflected in our ongoing commitment to recruit, develop, reward, and retain our talented, multicultural workforce. We hope to see you as part of our team’s future success!

The Senior Buyer, Indirect Procurement, at Mizkan America, Inc. is responsible for developing and executing strategic sourcing strategies for up to $75 million in Indirect categories. This role will influence key business decisions and contribute to the overall success of our organization. This role involves strategic sourcing, supplier management, and cross-functional collaboration to optimize procurement activities and achieve business objectives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, execute, and oversee procurement strategies for multiple Indirect categories such as Maintenance, Repair & Operations (MRO), Facilities Management, and Adhesives. Responsible for all Commercial activities including but not limited to: Supplier Identification, Assessment and Relationship Management; Supplier Rationalization; Cost Savings Initiatives; Cash Flow Generation.
• Direct and influence the purchasing of all assigned categories with procurement strategies aimed at achieving the lowest possible overall cost, consistent with quality and delivery expectations.
• Handle all commercial activities with designated suppliers including contract management, management of the RFP process, negotiation activities, cost savings identification, implementation, and tracking.
• Provide decision-making on issues regarding sourcing, negotiating, and contracting for procurement projects and complete with the highest level of integrity.
• Identify and onboard any new Suppliers as business needs dictate for the assigned categories.
  
  

Project Management

• Lead and work with cross-functional teams to achieve performance goals, support project timelines, and manage costs.
• Identify and deliver cost savings projects on time by working to remove obstacles.
• P2P platform for Indirect purchases. Implement Coupa catalogs for applicable categories.
• Review and approve all category prices in accordance with established indexes or contract language.
  
  

Processes and Procedures

• Lead purchasing process improvement initiatives directed by the Manager or Director of Procurement, including identifying training needs, and providing relevant training to ensure a successful implementation.
• Ensure adherence to Procurement and company policies.
• Provide support to internal stakeholders on Coupa or procurement process inquiries.
  
  

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, or a related field required.
• 5 years’ experience in buying/procurement preferably in a multi-plant, multi-segment manufacturing industry
• CPG company experience, preferred
• Exceptional negotiating, organizational, project management and critical thinking skills
• Strong analytical and intermediate level of excel required
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills
• Flexible and willing to work within constantly changing priorities
• Experience in Operations such as General, Maintenance and Repair (MRO), glue/adhesives, plant supplies are desirable
• Knowledge Procure to Pay system, preferred
• High level proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Ability to travel up to 15% domestically
  
  

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $82,400 to $117,000. Compensation is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills and experience. Short-Term Incentive and other forms of compensation may also be provided as part of a total compensation package.

A full range of medical, dental, vision, 401K plus up-to-four-percent (4%) match, profit sharing, wellness program, paid parental leave, long-term-care insurance, critical accident insurance, short- and long-term disability and education assistance are also available.