Director of Sourcing - Ingredients

Job Title: Director of Sourcing -Ingredients

Location: Marlborough, MA (Onsite)

Job Type: Full-time

About Us: Ken’s Foods is a leader in the food manufacturing industry, dedicated to delivering high-quality products through innovative processes. We are looking for a Director of Sourcing - Ingredients who will play a crucial role in setting and executing sourcing strategies that support our business's growth and success. This role is integral in managing supplier relationships, evaluating market trends, and ensuring our supply chain operates efficiently.

Job Summary: Reporting to the Vice President of Procurement, the Director of Sourcing -Ingredients is responsible for developing and executing the strategy for sourcing all ingredients, packaging, and indirect goods and services required by the business. This position is accountable for managing supplier relationships, analyzing market trends to secure competitive pricing, and maintaining high standards of quality and service. The Director will also design and implement supply chain processes, lead cost-saving initiatives, and mentor the Procurement team.

Key Responsibilities:

Supply Chain Management:

• Analyze the supply chain flow to identify bottlenecks, problem areas, and critical control points, driving innovative solutions.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to enhance procurement value through lean principles and value engineering.
• Identify and execute total cost savings across the supply chain.
• Collaborate with internal partners to address procurement program impacts and optimize supplier processes.
• Lead efforts to create a national, integrated supply chain with internal partners and suppliers.
• Research, evaluate, and implement cutting-edge supplier management tools and techniques.

Commodity Management:

• Develop a vision for tradeable commodities and conduct total spend analysis.
• Conduct supplier and commodity capacity reviews.
• Develop models to assess how commodities impact total cost across the supply chain.
• Educate internal partners on commodity trends, policies, and practices.

Sourcing Strategy:

• Drive the development of new products and programs.
• Develop sourcing strategies to ensure business continuity, including contingency planning.
• Collaborate with R&D and suppliers to develop specifications and prototypes.
• Execute strategic sourcing and negotiate agreements with suppliers.
• Perform Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis.
• Integrate Value Engineering principles into product development.
• Conduct supplier business reviews to drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure alignment with Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, such as Supplier Diversity and Environmental Stewardship.

Business Partner Interface:

• Develop and manage strategic relationships with suppliers and internal partners.
• Assess the financial and strategic impact of business initiatives.
• Identify supply base issues, analyze root causes, and develop solutions.
• Educate partners on total cost management and its critical components.
• Provide technical and product expertise to suppliers and internal teams.

Additional Duties:

• Maintain a commitment to safety by creating and ensuring a safe work environment.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage a team of Sourcing Buyers with varying levels of experience and skills.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, training, planning, directing work, appraising performance, and resolving issues, in accordance with company policies and applicable laws.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in Purchasing, Supply Chain, and Inventory Management.
• 10+ years of experience in Direct Buying, Supplier Management, and Project Management.
• 10+ years of Cross-functional Team Management experience.

Skills and Abilities:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Experience with MRP/ERP systems is a plus.
• Ability to travel up to 25% as required.
• Highly proficient in leading complex programs and projects to successful completion.
• Expertise in managing supplier performance and driving continuous improvement.
• Strong teamwork skills, with the ability to work both collaboratively and independently.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• A collaborative work environment focused on innovation and excellence.