Procurement Manager

A leading player in the food industry dedicated to providing high-quality products is seeking a talented and experienced Director of Purchasing to lead procurement operations in Florence, SC. As the Director of Purchasing, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of procurement, ensuring the timely and cost-effective acquisition of goods and materials. The ideal candidate will have a background in the food industry, strong leadership skills, and experience managing a diverse portfolio of products.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement strategic procurement initiatives to optimize purchasing processes and drive cost savings.
• Lead a team of purchasing professionals, providing guidance, mentorship, and support to ensure departmental goals are met.
• Manage supplier relationships and negotiate favorable terms and agreements to secure the best possible pricing and terms.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including production, inventory management, and quality assurance to forecast demand and maintain optimal inventory levels.
• Monitor market trends, supplier performance, and industry developments to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation.
• Oversee the procurement of a minimum of 1,000 SKUs, ensuring product availability and quality standards are met.
• Develop and maintain KPIs to track departmental performance and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field. Master's degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in purchasing or procurement, preferably in the food industry.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities with a track record of successfully managing and developing teams.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience in contract management.
• Experience working with a large portfolio of products (1,000+ SKUs) is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with procurement software systems.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.