Sr. Manager, Indirect Procurement at Ferrara Pan Candy Co., Inc. in Chicago, Illinois

Job Description:

Job Location: Chicago



This role is based out of our corporate HQ located in downtown Chicago and will be a hybrid in-person/remote role.




Want to make an impact?



Reporting directly to the Sr. Director of Indirect Procurement, this role will be charged with developing and implementing procurement strategies that support our manufacturing and warehousing facilities. Primary responsibilities include leading all procurement category management activities related to plants and warehouses including building facilities requirements related to their maintenance, sanitation, safety, sustainability and security.


Executes commercial go-to-market strategies for indirect spend categories. Independently researches industry and supplier insights to drive innovation and solutions to create incremental value and deliver best in class sourcing results. Develops short-term and long-term sourcing goals to realize value fast and ongoing, aligning with corporate vision and financial targets. Manage supplier relationships effectively and appropriately to create culture of proactive continuous improvement versus complacency.


Responsible for sourcing the best deal possible taking into account risk, business continuity, total cost of overwhip, performance and overall strategic vision of supplier relationship within the organization. Leads with bias towards action and prioritizing time to provide greatest value to the organization when competing programs and targets arise.


The role is based in Chicago, Illinois and will require minimal travel outside the greater Chicago area (< 10%). The position involves some travel to facilities in the Chicago-to-Dekalb area as needed to support procurement requirements. This position doesn't have any direct reports. Currently locations in the US are the primary focus with some collaboration with our Mexico facilities; however, more global requirements may be added over time as Ferrara continues its global expansion.




Ways you will make a difference

• Category Leadership
  • Responsible for all aspects of category management including developing the category strategies and executing sourcing events.
  • Conducts category spend analysis and supplier segmentation.
  • Conducts the RFI and RFP processes from requirements gathering to contracting and savings tracking.
  • Leads the process of supply market research, supplier search and due diligence, negotiations, supplier selection and contract strategy. Works with legal to finalize contracts.
  • Manages multiple sourcing projects and procurement requirements concurrently across the organization.
  • Develops a deep level of understanding of the global supply base. Develops and leads the strategy and execution to drive cost, innovation, risk management and other value-added elements of supplier relationships including supplier diversity and sustainability.
• Driving Value to the Organization
  • Achieves year-over-year benefit targets for the category developed with supervisor.
  • Benefits can include savings, cost avoidance, payment term extension and continuous improvement efforts among others.
• Supplier Relationship Management
  • Manages and develops strategic supplier alliances with a select group of suppliers to assure a preferred status in the presentation of new opportunities, while creating an advantaged cost position for Ferrara.
  • Supports supplier relationship management activities as needed.
  • Monitors supplier performance and holds regular business performance reviews. Leads improvement actions as appropriate.
  • Monitors supplier financial health and recommends appropriate actions to mitigate risk to Ferrara.
• Senior Leadership Support
  • Supports senior leadership team members. Maintains a high level of professionalism while supporting the organization. Demonstrates an understanding of business needs and requirements.
  • Works in partnership with key stakeholders to ensure their requirements are met by contracted suppliers, contingency plans exist, and additional sourcing opportunities are presented.
• Operational and Indirect Team Support
  • Supports other category management activities as needed within the indirect procurement team including PO management activities.
  • Supports other indirect categories based on team needs.
  • Supports the on-going initiatives to automate our req-to-pay processes.
  • Works closely with the COE (Center of Excellence) team to ensure bottom line impact from commercial activities is property captured, tracked and reported on.

• Knowledge of maintenance requirements within a manufacturing environment: have a base of knowledge related to maintenance products and services; have a desire to continually learn about evolving maintenance-related opportunities.
• Procurement knowledge: Deep understanding of procurement category management, stakeholder management and negotiations
• Strong interpersonal skills: empathy, integrity, enthusiasm, collaborative, driving consensus
• Strong written and oral communication skills. Strong listening skills and ability to work with senior leaders - inside and outside of the organization - to understand their goals and objectives; share project objectives and progress in a clear concise manner.
• Strong analytical and presentation skills: have a strong ability to analyze significant amount of data and summarize findings or options for senior leadership.
• Strategic thinking: able to "see around corners", synthesize insights from disparate data sources, and present recommendations and alternatives.
• Desire to be a supportive and proactive business partner across the organization.

• Bachelor's degree.
• At least 7 years of experience in the procurement of manufacturing-related maintenance products and services.
• Solid understanding of the 7 steps of procurement and effective business partnering.
• Extensive experience in supplier negotiations, developing and executing category strategies.
• Experience collaborating with cross functional teams and presenting to senior leadership.
• Demonstrated track record of exceeding savings targets and financial goals.
• Intermediate skill level in Microsoft Excel.
• Intermediate skill level in Microsoft PowerPoint for executive presentation.
• Experience within an SAP-based ERP environment.
• Procurement within an international multi-site manufacturing and brand-based corporate environment