Manager, Procurement - Contract Manufacturing 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?



This position is responsible for supporting best in class procurement strategies for external manufacturing. Responsibilities include supplier identification, developing sourcing strategies and value optimization, and supplier relationship management for the Procurement group. The goal of this job is to develop and optimize value within the external manufacturing segment (co-manufacturers, co-packers and novelty), building category knowledge, and expanding manufacturability of products to outside vendors.


This position doesn't have any direct reports.




Ways you will make a difference

• Develop strong relationships with current and potential new suppliers and work with them to identify improvement opportunities for ingredients, packaging materials, and/or equipment.
• Responsible for all aspects of category management. Develop category strategies in consultation with key stakeholders. Conduct category spend analysis and supplier segmentation.
• Conduct supplier relationship management to lower costs, drive innovation, and implement risk management including holding business reviews for select suppliers.
• Develop sourcing strategies and lead cross-functional strategic sourcing activities to select suppliers and drive benefits including gathering requirements, identifying and researching suppliers, developing RFI/RFPs, analyzing supplier responses, conducting negotiations, contracting with selected suppliers and supporting savings tracking activities.
• Develop negotiation strategies and negotiate contracts that will deliver against business objectives.
• Influence, lead and/or direct the development of projects, appropriately collaborating with cross-functional partners, including, but not limited to: Quality, Supply Chain, Virtual Factory Managers, Finance and Marketing.
• Represent procurement on cross-functional teams when appropriate for product development, product changes and new product launches.
• Lead budget efforts and minimize unfavorable PPV, and other financial KPIs/metrics while understanding the specification.
• Develop and execute productivity savings while optimizing supply base and seeking out new technologies.
• Accountable for compliance on Corporate Environmental Sustainability and Regulatory efforts.
• Ensures adherence to all company policies and procedures.
• Understands and demonstrates Agility, Ambition, Collaboration, Sharing and Accountability.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills required
• Excellent organization skills with the ability to handle multiple workstreams
• Comfortable with ambiguity and changing project requirements
• Team player with the ability to work with a diverse set of people, including executive levels of management
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
• Projects a positive image and serves as a role model for others
• Strong negotiation, contract development, and analysis skills
• Strong problem solving and strategic thinking ability
• Understands risk management and its implications
• Demonstrate ability to function as a Team Player
• Travel 10-15 %, some International travel required

• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent related experience
• Masters or certification preferred
• Minimum 3 years' purchasing experience, preferably in a CPG food environment
• Cross Functional Experience a must
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite, strong emphasis on Excel and PowerPoint
• Knowledge of product labeling regulations and nutritional information helpful
• SAP experience preferred, ERP system experience required
• Bi-lingual (Spanish) a plus, but not required