PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
Directly oversees the development and execution of strategies through strategic sourcing (e.g. supply market analysis, total cost of ownership analysis, competitive negotiations, contracting) to significantly drive competitive cost advantage and deliver superior product quality for customers. This role will manage the process and in some cases manage a strategic sourcing team and is responsible for determining the categories to source, achieving savings, managing contract implementation and tracking impact. Develops and manages KPI’s to ensure Departmental goals are met and/or exceeded in order to achieve year-over-year reductions in total costs of goods and services while maintaining or improving supplier quality and service levels. Minimizes commodity risk and proposes solutions to ensure cost neutrality in volatile markets, while optimizing when commodity costs have downward market pressure. Supports and drives innovation within Sales, Operations, and Packaging to meet ongoing customer needs.
ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
Oversees the development and execution of strategies through the strategic sourcing process. Serves as primary champion and process leader for the strategic sourcing process across Refrigerated Meats or Packaging or Commodity categories including contract negotiations (depending on the division). Works with the divisional President and senior team members to set priorities and performance goals for the purchasing and strategic sourcing teams, guides strategy development, oversees the development of annual strategic sourcing plans which specify how savings goals will be achieved, communicates team progress to senior business unit leadership and ensures clear alignment between team actions and business unit interests. Leads strategic sourcing efforts in specific commodity areas, refrigerated meats as necessary/appropriate.
Oversees the process to select and manage suppliers. Based on the sourcing strategy, oversees the supplier selection and negotiation process for key sourcing teams. Establishes and maintains contractual and business relationships with senior management of key suppliers. Active in efforts to achieve small and disadvantaged business sourcing content objectives, where applicable. Effectively communicates all contracts with each facility for implementation purposes, accordingly.
Measures and tracks internal performance within each spend category. With the assistance of the Purchasing Managers, tracks forecasted vs. actual savings for sourced categories and communicates performance against these measures and their potential budgetary impact. Works closely with senior stakeholders in the business units to ensure savings are built into budgets and into the annual operating plan.
Monitors strategy implementation. Works with Purchasing Managers to ensure that sourcing strategies are implemented and that “Total Cost of Ownership” reductions are secured according to forecasts. Breaks down organizational barriers and communicates overall sourcing trends/results for assigned commodities (to the senior leader in purchasing and or finance/accounting depending on the division) and to senior business unit leadership.
Team Building. Works across departments that contribute to building effective collaboration and leading direct reports in providing feedback, coaching and developmental opportunities that contribute to building effective Teams. Challenges and inspires team members to achieve business results. Develops departmental succession plans as a means to promote growth within the department and provide sustainability to the development of the team.
Manages employees. Directs and supervises employees’ work activities and monitors work performance. Collaborates with Human Resources to screen, interview and hire candidates. Administers disciplinary actions and recommends performance improvement actions in collaboration with the HR Manager. Monitors work performance and recommends compensation decisions based on guidelines. Follows Simmons values to develop and maintain a favorable working relationship with all employees. Promotes a cooperative and harmonious environment in order to facilitate positive employee morale, productivity, and continued improvement.
Participates as a member of the Team. Participates in the ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization.
Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons’ established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position’s role in support of these systems – including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas.
Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the person in this position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person as to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position.
Physical Activities: Enters and locates information on a computer. Visually verifies information, often in small print. Communicates with Customers, Vendors, or Employees via telephone, in person, and/or electronic mail. May present information to small or large groups. Must be able to work in various temperatures. Move about in a manufacturing environment, office environment, and surrounding property.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): As required by visiting facility.
Travel: Travels within North America, often requiring overnight stays. Approximately 30%.
Technical Experience: 7 or more years purchasing experience within the Pet Food or Meat Ingredient Industry with an extensive knowledge of the Commodity market as it relates to Proteins, Fats and other Nutrients, Grains or Packaging. Extensive knowledge of JD Edwards or Oracle software preferred. Proven ability to develop and implement cross functional teams, as well as work effectively on these types of teams to deliver predetermined results. Managerial experience strongly preferred. Strong analytical ability, production scheduling knowledge and financial & commercial awareness required. Experience effectively managing working capital and customer requirements.
Industry Experience: Preference for experience within the Pet Food Industry and/or Consumer Packaging, Meat Ingredient Industry.
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business or related field, or 4 years related work experience
Preferred Education: Designated Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP), MBA or equivalent.
Job Type: Full-time
Experience:
- driving: 1 year (Preferred)
- warehousing: 1 year (Preferred)
- packaging: 1 year (Preferred)
- manufacturing: 1 year (Preferred)
- production: 1 year (Preferred)
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