Protein Category Manager

BASIC PURPOSE: Identify adequate and qualified domestic and international sources of supply for the Company's protein category. Source protein commodities and recommend alternative products of same or better quality at a more favorable cost, in collaboration with Suppliers, management, and sourcing team.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop a Protein category strategy to achieve cost savings and improve quality and service levels by identifying opportunity areas such as product standardization and supplier consolidation.
• Oversee all spend activity and purchase requests for Protein and determine proper action plan for all purchases that meet the Supply Chain involvement threshold.
• Provide Protein subject matter expertise to sourcing team or seek out expertise from management when necessary.
• Effectively work with functional and business groups as a trusted advisor to determine desired product/service specifications and projected demand when making recommended action plans.
• Manage and assist Sourcing Specialists to lead cross-functional teams to execute strategic sourcing projects for assigned category areas.
• Develop Strategic Supplier Relationship Management programs.
• Collaborate with Spend Analysis & Reporting Team to conduct analysis for category improvement opportunities (e.g., market research) and to implement non-sourcing category projects (e.g., demand management).
• Ensure that the Company has good supply market understanding and works with the business/function teams to provide input for creating innovative win-win customer and supplier strategies.
• Proactively identify improvement opportunities for Protein and recommend key actions to the appropriate stakeholders.
• Conduct cuttings as per the Company's standard operating process.
• Perform other job-related functions as assigned.

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in Business or related field of study. MBA or equivalent preferred; or any equivalent combination of education and work experience. Nationally recognized professional certification preferred (i.e. Certified Purchasing Manager).

EXPERIENCE: 5-7 years of strategic sourcing/procurement experience, performance measurement, contract negotiation, project management, category management, business analysis, or change management experience. 2+ years of Food/Protein specific experience.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS: Working knowledge of an automated logistics and purchasing system is required, preferably with MXP and SAP. Strong knowledge of strategic sourcing methodology with pragmatism to manage exceptions. Ability to develop category and sourcing strategies by identifying areas of opportunity. Track record of effectively directing and leveraging procurement spend by leading global cross-functional teams. Experience managing and maintaining strong supplier relationships. Strong leadership presence and negotiation/contract management experience. Knowledge and experience with best practice processes, tools, and procurement/spend systems data and analysis. Strong interpersonal and management capabilities to manage and develop a team. Must have strong organizational skills. Strong problem solving, analytical and report summation, and conflict resolution skills. Ability to apply change management and consulting skills/knowledge and expertise. First hand working knowledge of strategic sourcing methodology required. Technical knowledge and expertise preferred. Proficiency in Microsoft suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), proficiency in Procure-to-Pay systems (e.g. Ariba). Team Building, technical knowledge and expertise, high degree of business acumen, management, and interpersonal skills. Up to 20% domestic and/or international travel required.

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