Bachelor's degree in business or a related field; MBA preferred.
12+ years of supply chain management experience, ideally in a retail/hospitality setting.
Expertise in strategic sourcing processes and supplier negotiations.
Strong understanding of commodities markets and procurement logistics.
Proficient in managing large-scale sourcing portfolios, including handling $900 million+ in expenditures.
Responsibilities
Oversee and refine sourcing strategies using a 10-step strategic process for product categories.
Negotiate optimal contracts with suppliers focusing on pricing, quality, and supply availability.
Provide strategic guidance to senior leadership on supplier market dynamics and product availability.
Support the development of long-term sourcing plans and strategic partnerships with suppliers.
Recruit and cultivate a high-performing procurement team for purchasing operations.
Identify and evaluate new suppliers through industry engagement and negotiations.
Ensure sourcing initiatives support cross-departmental business goals and collaborate with various teams.
Benefits
Hybrid work schedule for flexible working conditions.
401K plan with company matching to support retirement savings.
Yearly bonus opportunities for eligible employees offering financial rewards.
Full medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage for comprehensive health care.
On-site fitness amenities and health initiatives, including clinics and screenings.
Discounts available at Panda restaurants and affiliations with gyms and theme parks.
Generous paid time off starting at 15 days, plus 7 federal holidays.
Educational assistance and scholarships for continuous professional development.
Income protection options, including disability and life insurance policies.
Bereavement leave to support employees during personal loss.
Full Job Description
Summary of Job Description:
The Executive Director, Strategic Sourcing is responsible for overseeing and optimizing the development of strategies and the strategic optimal arrangements related to the sourcing of various product/service categories for the company through collaboration with the other departments. This position's portfolio of products is high in dollars expenditure (approximately $900 million+ in sourcing span management) and in its level of impact on the company's financial performance and reputation. The Executive Director executes and oversees the selection, evaluation, and negotiation for PRG purchases in various categories, ensuring that the suppliers selected fit Panda's culture and philosophy, have the necessary capacity, provide the items at the best price and highest quality.
Job Responsibilities:
Oversees and optimizes the development and execution of sourcing strategy using the 10-step strategic sourcing process for assigned products and categories in support of its business strategy and plan. Identifies suppliers and arranges optimal contracts in terms of pricing, quality, timing, and supply availability over the term of the contract. Interacts with the highest level of executives at supplier companies. Advises senior leadership on the availability of specific products and pricing, pre-qualifying new suppliers and facilities in terms of price, capacity, safety and quality. Ensures costs are within budget.
Oversees and provides coaching and leadership in commodities markets on prices and supply and oversees the strategy and direction for optimal procurement and logistics program.
Responsible for achieving strategic optimal arrangements related to sourcing various product/service categories for the company through collaboration with the related departments. Executes the company's sourcing arrangements in support of its business strategy and plan. Identifies suppliers and arranges optimal contracts in terms of pricing, quality, timing, and supply availability over the term of the contract. Interacts with the highest level of executives at supplier companies. Advises senior leadership on the availability of specific products and pricing, pre-qualifying new suppliers and facilities in terms of price, capacity, and quality. Ensures costs are within budget.
Supports SVP and VP of Supply Chain to develop and execute the three- to five-year sourcing strategic plans and strategic supplier partnerships, anticipating business requirements. The plan includes identifying supplier sources, their purchasing capacity, and any legal/tariff issues. Informs the VP and senior leadership on industry insights, such as tariffs, import/export limitations, government regulations, Act of God situations, mergers, acquisitions, personnel changes, new item introduction, etc.
Recruits, selects, and develops an effective team of purchasing management, professional, and support staff. Provides leadership, coaching and development to the team to meet the department's people planning and development goals.
Identifies new suppliers to support future growth. Attends supplier and industry shows to identify potential suppliers, domestic and international. Evaluates potential suppliers in collaboration with other PRG departments concerning the viability of their product and acceptability of their manufacturing facility. Negotiates optimal pricing with new suppliers.
Maintains a strong relationship between suppliers and the company. Communicates with suppliers concerning PRG philosophy and growth plans and aligns suppliers with Panda to support growth. Evaluates the effectiveness of suppliers to identify which ones to expand the relationship.
Ensures sourcing alignment with cross-functional business objectives. Leads or supports cross-functional projects with departments such as FSQA, Product Development, Marketing, Legal, Finance, RD, and Operations related to product specifications, quality inquiries, product recall, sourcing new ingredients, testing new products, and phasing in products within distribution.
How we reward you:
Hybrid Work schedule
401K with company match
Yearly bonus opportunity*
Full medical, dental, and vision insurance *
On-site fitness center, biometric screen, and flu shot clinic
Discounts at Panda restaurants, theme parks, and gym memberships
Paid time off starting at 15 days with 7 federal holidays*
Continuous education assistance and scholarships*
Income protection including Disability, Life and AD&D insurance*
Bereavement leave*
*Benefits available for eligible permanent full time associates
Your background and experience:
Bachelor's degree in business or equivalent field required; MBA preferred
12+ years of experience in Supply Chain Management, preferably in a nationally branded retail/hospitality organization
Successful completion of initial and periodically required trainings.
Obtaining a valid Food Handler's Card within 30 days of employment is a requirement of this position.
Pay Range: M5: $205,000 - $288,000 / Annual
* Within the range, individual pay is determined using various factors, including work location and experience.
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About Panda Express
Panda Express is a fast food restaurant chain that specializes in Chinese cuisine. The company was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Rosemead, California. Panda Express operates over 2,000 locations in the United States and has a presence in several other countries. The company's menu includes a variety of dishes, including orange chicken, kung pao chicken, and chow mein. Panda Express is committed to sustainability and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.
