Procurement Manager at Custom Flavors – San Clemente, California

Position Summary and Purpose: Reporting to the Director of Supply Chain Management, the Procurement Manager will oversee the procurement of raw materials and non-inventory items. This role plays a crucial part in maintaining cost-effectiveness, quality, and timely delivery of raw materials and other supplies while adhering to company policies and budgetary constraints. In addition to procurement expertise, this role will require the business acumen to understand and apply economies of scale, efficient ordering, and the business needs in relation to supply and market conditions.

Essential Functions:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Support in the development and implementation of strategic purchasing plans and policies and optimize procurement processes to meet organizational requirements for quality, volume, availability, and pricing.
• Lead and supervise the Purchasing team to implement and execute purchasing plans and policies.
• Identify reliable suppliers, negotiate contracts, and maintain relationships to secure favorable terms and pricing.
• Evaluate supplier performance based on key metrics such as quality, delivery, and cost, and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Monitor inventory levels and forecast demand to ensure adequate stock availability while minimizing excess inventory.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders such as Regulatory, Production, Finance, and Quality assurance to understand requirements and address supply chain challenges.
• Assess and respond to internal and external factors to manage risks that impact supply.
• Assess and validate supplier and material qualifications such as GMP and FSMA.
• Manage vendor claims such as returns and damaged goods.

Required Skills:

• Ability to effectively and proactively communicate with all colleagues and levels of management.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Proficient understanding of Microsoft Office.
• Customer and relationship management.
• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to secure favorable terms and pricing from suppliers.
• Proficiency in using procurement software and MS Office applications.

Physical Demands:

The physical responsibilities described here must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, bend, as well as talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Must be able to regularly use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms, and climb stairs. The position requires the ability to occasionally lift, push or pull office products and supplies, up to 25 pounds.

Travel:

• Local travel between worksites during the day may be required.

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work:

• This is a full-time position. Standard days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm. This position is eligible to work from home on Fridays.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Supply Chain Management, or a related field required
• 5+ years of experience in Procurement, Supply Chain, or a related field required
• 2+ years of experience managing a team of direct reports required
• Experience with ERP systems, reporting, and data analytics required
• Experience negotiating and purchasing shelf-stable food, flavor, or fragrance materials highly preferred
• MRP experience highly preferred
• APICS certification preferred