Director of Strategic Sourcing – Raw Materials

Job Title: Director of Strategic Sourcing – Raw Materials                           
Department: Finance / Strategic Sourcing
Reports to:  Vice President Strategic Sourcing

Location: Onsite or Remote, depending on location: Texas, Wisconsin or Utah (must reside in one of these states)

Essential Functions Include: 

The Director of Strategic Sourcing, Raw Materials will be responsible for both Domestic and International sourcing of raw materials with a strong focus on IQF fruits and vegetables, Protein including beef, chicken, pork and seafood. Other items include dairy, spices and minor ingredients. Reporting to the Vice President of Strategic Sourcing, the position will be a key leader of the department and will work closely with the Vice President to set and achieve overall goals and strategic vision for the group. The successful candidate will work to develop, communicate and execute multi-year strategies on key raw material inputs. Routine interaction with senior leadership regarding the strategies will be an important focus. The strategies developed will provide the best Total Cost Option while ensuring supply continuity, quality and food safety standards for Thrive Freeze Dry Foods and their valued customers.

The individual will succeed in the role by being a market expert in important commodity areas and effectively building strong relationships with key suppliers. Communicating trends and market changes, providing pricing directions on commodities and buying strategies particularly with regards to timing is critical. The candidate will also be very strong at relationship management within Thrive Freeze Dry with key business stakeholders in marketing, sales, operations and food safety/quality. A strong focus on continuous improvement and innovation is also critical to success along with superior  

Competencies: 

• Communication. Possesses strong communication skills and can explain complex concepts at all levels of the organization.
• Continuous Improvement. Strong leadership and delivery of results.
• Critical Thinking. Forms good judgement when evaluating situations and reacting accordingly.
• Proactive Problem Solving. Acts in a proactive manner to communicate and solve problems.
• Product Knowledge. Demonstrates good working knowledge of product numbers and product usage and understand applications for use.
• Profitability Identify positive financial outcomes to increase profitability.
• Quality Standards. Must be able to understand quality standards, methods and reporting as required.
• Relationships. Works with all teams to maintain effective relationships
• Strategic: Ability to effectively create strategies that provide the best ultimate outcome on sourcing for categories in focus
• Value: Strong thought leadership on total value and ability to structurally understand pricing models.
• Negotiation: Strong negotiating skills.
• Vendor Management: Ability to effectively manage suppliers to achieve the best total results
• Food Safety: Work closely with Thrive Freeze Dry food safety team to ensure the highest level of Food Safety at our suppliers and internally as outlined in the company’s Food Safety Policy and Procedure efforts. 
• Other duties as assigned
   

Qualifications Include: 

• The qualified individual will possess a bachelor’s degree in business, economics, or similarly situated degree. An MBA is preferred.
• At least 10 years progressive experience within a procurement function and experience across the categories outlined
• Leadership of a team and leadership within the business is key. As such strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbally and written are a must
• The candidate must be able to effectively engage with individuals inside and outside of the organization and exercise sound judgement. 
• Experience within the food and beverage industry a plus 
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements: Must be able to perform the following functions with or without accommodations:

• Ability to travel 25% of time including globally and for multiple days.
• Consistent and reliable attendance
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds at times