Procurement & Sourcing Manager

Conifer Specialties, Inc. is a food manufacturing facility located in Woodinville, WA, producing and distributing consumer packaged products regionally and nationwide through several channels including club, retail, discount, and food service. Originally started over 40 years ago to deliver prized concession scones at the Washington State Fair, Conifer primarily produces dry meal and beverage solutions ranging from soup kits to hot cocoa powder.

Summary

We’re seeking a strong and effective Procurement and Sourcing Manager responsible for overseeing and growing our raw material and Co-Manufacturing supplier network. This role has direct influence from product conception to launch through deploying effective contracting strategies, enriching the value of the products through cost optimization efforts and managing purchasing decisions. This role is a strategic partner to Sales, Finance and the greater Operations team in managing new item development requests, objectives and timelines through a stage-gate process. The ideal candidate possesses a deep knowledge of supply sources, is routinely informed on trade conditions and has a proven record of implementing strategic sourcing frameworks that improve costs, quality and supply continuity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned):

Supplier Relationship Management

• Source, build and maintain strong raw material and Co-Manufacturing supplier partnerships through on-site visits, cost optimization initiatives and actionable business review efforts.
• Design, implement and manage Co-Manufacturing and vendor contracts, including service provider agreements.
• Implement and execute cost control measures through effective contracting, term conditions and alternative sourcing.
• Direct, drive and manage vendor evaluation and performance to ensure compliance with quality assurance, cost structures and serviceability.

Procurement Operations

• Oversee all procurement activities, including supplier selection, RFPs, contract negotiations, and purchase order management.
• Ensure procurement policies, processes, and systems are efficient, transparent, and compliant with company standards.
• Routinely advise on market and trade updates pertaining to tariffs, regulations and commodity price movement.
• Utilize ERP and procurement platforms to improve data accuracy, efficiency, and traceability.
• Review sales and production forecasts, working closely with purchasing, inventory control and scheduling to ensure the timely and accurate flow of raw materials to support planned production and sales order fulfillment.
• Uphold various food safety policies for SQF, HACCP, FDA and customer-driven QA management systems in relation to the procurement of goods. .

Packaging and Product Development

• Manage stage-gate processes and commercialization timelines, tracking milestones, risks and budgets to ensure successful product launches.
• Own packaging development lifecycle, from structural design and material selection to supplier coordination, ensuring compliance with brand, sustainability and quality standards.
• Partner with production to optimize product and packaging scalability, cost efficiency and operational feasibility through testing and adaptation.

Strategic Leadership

• Lead, coach and development procurement personnel through fostering a culture of responsibility, innovation and continuous improvement.
• Drive initiatives for supply contingencies to meet evolving market and trade conditions that support cost reduction and process improvement in manufacturing.
• Create, review and provide high-level reporting on categorical cost structures, spend control performance and ongoing initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business administration or related experience
• 5+ years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment
• Proven connections with ingredient, packaging and Co-Manufacturing suppliers
• Formal experience with contract management, negotiation and execution
• Comprehensive understanding of material resource planning and procurement practices and processes
• Demonstrated success developing and implementing cost control measures
• Thorough understanding of general food manufacturing processes and procedures
• Experience with ERP systems, inventory management and demand planning software
• Strategic and critical thinking abilities
• Strong attention to detail, organizational and self-management abilities
• Ability to effectively communicate with employees at all levels
• Action and results-oriented
• Continuous improvement-focused
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office, strong Excel skills required

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $110,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• purchasing in a manufacturing environment : 5 years (Required)
• contract management, negotiation and execution: 3 years (Required)

Work Location: In person