Purchasing Manager in Fargo, North Dakota at Red River Commodities

Red River Commodities is a leading processor of sunflower seeds and specialty grains, specializing in high-quality, nutritious food products. We pride ourselves on our sustainable practices, innovation, and commitment to delivering superior products to our customers. Our team shares core values focused on quality, innovation, responsibility, and community. We work hard, play harder, embrace authenticity, and always support one another to achieve our goals.

Location: 501 42nd St N, Fargo, ND 58102

Position Summary

Red River Commodities is seeking an experienced and strategic Purchasing Manager to lead the procurement of domestic and imported packaging materials and ingredients that support our manufacturing and production operations. This role is responsible for developing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, leading a team of purchasing professionals, and ensuring the timely, cost-effective procurement of materials while maintaining the highest standards of quality, service, compliance, and supply continuity.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader with strong procurement expertise, negotiation skills, and experience managing global and domestic suppliers in a manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement Strategy & Category Management

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for packaging materials, ingredients, and other assigned categories.
• Evaluate market conditions, supplier capabilities, pricing trends, and supply risks to support strategic purchasing decisions.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs, improve quality, and increase supply chain efficiency.
• Lead supplier selection processes including RFQs, bids, and contract negotiations.
• Develop contingency plans to minimize supply disruptions and maintain business continuity.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with domestic and international suppliers.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, service agreements, and supply contracts.
• Monitor supplier performance through key metrics including quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost competitiveness.
• Collaborate with suppliers to identify continuous improvement and innovation opportunities.
• Conduct supplier reviews and lead corrective actions when performance expectations are not met.

Purchasing & Inventory Management

• Ensure timely procurement of materials to support production schedules and customer demand.
• Review inventory levels, forecasts, and demand plans to optimize purchasing decisions.
• Approve purchase orders and oversee purchasing activities performed by the procurement team.
• Monitor lead times and proactively address material shortages or supply risks.
• Work closely with Demand Planning, Operations, Quality, Logistics, and Sales teams to ensure alignment on material requirements.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of three purchasing professionals.
• Establish goals, priorities, and performance expectations for direct reports.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Provide guidance on supplier negotiations, purchasing decisions, and procurement best practices.
• Support succession planning and employee development within the purchasing function.

Compliance, Reporting & Risk Management

• Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, food safety requirements, regulatory standards, and import/export regulations.
• Manage supplier documentation, contracts, certifications, and records.
• Monitor procurement KPIs including cost savings, service levels, supplier performance, inventory turns, and on-time delivery.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for leadership regarding sourcing strategies and procurement performance.
• Assess supplier and market risks and implement mitigation strategies.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, Procurement, or related work experience.
• 2+ years of progressive procurement, purchasing, or supply chain experience.
• Experience purchasing packaging materials, food ingredients, agricultural products, or manufacturing-related materials preferred.
• Proven supplier negotiation and contract management experience.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, purchasing software, and Microsoft Excel.

Preferred

• Experience managing imported materials and international supplier relationships.
• Experience with Power BI
• Knowledge of freight, logistics, customs, and import regulations.
• Experience within food manufacturing, ingredient processing, agriculture, or consumer packaged goods industries.
• APICS, CPSM, CSCP, or similar professional certification.

Company Benefits:

At Red River Commodities, we value our employees and are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment. As a member of our team, you will enjoy a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and opportunities for career growth and development. Below are some additional benefits that we offer.

• On-demand pay available through Tapcheck
• Paid time off
• Paid Holidays
• 401k & company match
• Profit Sharing
• Employee Assistance Program

Red River Commodities and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all employment practices within our organization. Red River Commodities makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

We are committed to maintaining a legal and compliant workplace. As part of our hiring process, Red River Commodities participates in the E-Verify program.