Senior Procurement Category Manager

Who We Are
At Freshpet, our goal is to change the way people nourish their pets forever. We strive to strengthen the bond between people and our pets so that we both live longer, healthier, and happier lives while being kind to the planet. We believe that if we can create fresh, real foods that pets love and help them live healthier lives, that their pet parents will also enjoy the many benefits of a rich life shared with a pet. IT’S AMAZING WHAT CAN HAPPEN WHEN YOU START COMPLETELY FRESH!
What You Will Do
As Senior Procurement Category Manager, you will have responsibility for the development of sourcing strategies for the protein category. You will be a value-added sourcing partner to the business to ensure complete alignment and deep understanding of the business goals in developing sourcing strategies with cross-functional teams. You will recommend cost savings proposals including alternative sourcing solutions and will exercise independent judgement within defined practices to determine appropriate action. This role will specialize in the animal protein category and be recognized as the related category sourcing expert. You will carry out all procurement activities from RFQ to data analysis, supplier selection and implement robust contracts in alignment with company objectives.
How You Will Make an Impact

• Leverage sourcing and procurement best practices to develop and implement strategies for the protein category.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with major suppliers and pursue upstream partnerships where beneficial.
• Stay current on macroeconomic, regulatory, and capacity trends impacting the business; take proactive action to mitigate risk and capitalize on opportunities.

Manage all aspects of the category, including:

• Strategy development and execution
• Negotiation and contracting of supply agreements
• Spend analysis and cost management
• Capacity management and expansion
• Risk management
• Supplier relationship and performance management
• Continuous improvement initiatives

Additional Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to lead projects improving quality, service, cost, and capacity.
• Establish lean and effective total cost supply chains for purchased materials.
• Partner with Legal and business stakeholders to protect Freshpet’s intellectual property and joint development benefits.
• Define, measure, and report supplier performance KPIs.
• Organize and lead formal business reviews with key suppliers.
• Collaborate with stakeholders on dispute resolution.

What You Will Bring
Education And Work Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Food Science or equivalent experience
• 10-15+ years of experience in direct material sourcing for a CPG company operating in a direct manufacturing environment of which 8+ years were in sourcing land animal Proteins

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Extensive protein sourcing experience with a heavy concentration in poultry
• Ability to expertly collaborate with and influence people of different levels
• inside/outside the company as a team, working toward common goals and objectives.
• Advanced leadership, relationship management, project management and data analysis skills
• Simultaneously manage multiple projects while balancing short term vs. long term needs
• Extensive negotiation, conflict management, and problem-solving skills
• Emotional intelligence to take full responsibility for decisions and results even when all elements are not under individual direct control
• Strong sense of urgency and attention to detail
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

What We Offer
At Freshpet, we offer a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance, basic and optional life insurance, short- and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts, and a 401(k) plan with company match, paid parental leave, pet insurance, tuition assistance, a generous PTO plan and so much more!
Disclaimers
The salary range provided above is the range of the wages that we will pay for the listed position. A final determination on the wages within this range is based on a number of non-discriminatory factors, including but not limited to the required work location, previous work experience, skill set, and wage rates for comparable positions.
Freshpet is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Freshpet via-email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Freshpet. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Freshpet as a result of the referral or through other means.
We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas.