The Procurement Manager is a key member of the management team and will ensure growth objectives are achieved with sound sales and procurement plans and practices.  The Procurement Manager takes a key role in contributing to the annual strategic plan and is accountable for successfully meeting key purchasing and sales growth targets, along with gross margin and net profit margin targets

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Management

• Manage the annual sales growth & servicing plan, and the annual buying plan for their region, in accordance with all strategic targets (including monthly sales and margin targets), and ensure these plans are in alignment with each other;
• Train, monitor, and coach Buying team members on achieving their individual targets and working within established purchasing SOPs
• Develop budgets by buyer and commodity that are in alignment with the monthly sales budget
• Collaborate on recruitment, development, retention and organization of the Buying team in accordance with corporate budgetary objectives and personnel policies;
• Evaluate current systems and lead change through continuous quality improvement, Lean processes and project management;
• Maintain and improve the procurement system, including tendering, contract management, documentation, rebates and supplier compliance;
• Embrace and promote company core values: Focus, Relationships, Enthusiasm, Sincerity, & High Standards.

Procurement

• Grow regional purchases each year to achieve company goals and targets, sourcing new produce suppliers, expanding product lines and new items, and creating a consistent buying process. 
• Identify key produce items to provide sales leverage for the Sales team
• Ensure produce inventories meet demand with limited overages and shortages;
• Network with industry associations such as the CPMA, PMA, etc.;

Reporting

• Evaluate and recommend improvements on current business systems, as well as internal processes and procedures, including incentive programs and compensation programs;
• Provide accurate and current information to CCO, CFO, and/or other department heads as requested;
• Monitor progress, including margin, volume, and claims, on a monthly basis to meet targets and to measure savings
• Provide weekly progress reports to the CCO.

Education, qualifications, special training & experience required:

• Bachelors’ Degree in Business Administration (preferably in Marketing and/or Procurement) or equivalent experience in an environment of high sales ($100 million plus revenues)
• Minimum 8 years’ produce industry experience
• Solid procurement, and sales experience in an environment of high sales and margin growth
• Effective presentation and business writing skills
• Computer proficiency with advanced experience with Microsoft Excel and Office
• Demonstrated continuous learning and personal/professional development

Personality & aptitudes:

• A dynamic individual who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
• Able to deal with ambiguity and paradoxes
• Hands-on individual with a strong work ethic
• A self-starter, a team player, and a finisher
• Open-minded, flexible, and able to adapt and succeed in a multi-cultural work environment
• Strong and firm, non-authoritative leader with integrity, empathy, and high standards for self and others

Language & communication skills:

• Superior presentation, and excellent oral and written communication skills
• Effective conflict resolution skills
• Exceptional interpersonal, relationship building, and negotiation skills

Other knowledge & skills:

• Outstanding needs analysis, positioning, business justification and closing skills
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, and Windows
• Strong financial skills (fast with numeracy and very analytical)

Leadership requirements:

• Good management and leadership capabilities (planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating)
• Natural leader and team player, willing and able to build confidence and to establish cooperative relationships with personnel throughout the Company
• Foster a dynamic work environment and encourages buying teams to meet stretch targets
• Possess positive and constructive work attitude

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