POSITION SUMMARY
We are seeking a hands-on Manager, Procurement to lead purchasing operations, supplier management, and strategic sourcing initiatives at Forever Cheese. This role will oversee a team of three direct reports and play a key part in optimizing procurement processes, strengthening supplier relationships, and supporting the rollout of new AI-driven procurement tools across the organization.
Forever Cheese has scaled significantly over the last several years and is actively seeking to grow through organic initiatives and add-on acquisitions. The right candidate for this role will seek wants to be part of a growing environment and company and will seek to increase their responsibilities as the Company scales over time. This role will be required to be onsite 4 days a week in New York City.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead and develop a team of 3 procurement professionals.
- Manage day-to-day purchasing activities and supplier relationships.
- Learn how to use RELEX (new AI procurement technology) and ensure adoption by team members to improve purchasing efficiency and decision-making.
- Analyze and identify process improvement opportunities.
- Partner with Finance, Operations, and leadership to forecast purchasing needs and communicate potential stock-out and spoilage possibilities.
- Monitor vendor performance and maintain compliance with company policies and procedures.
- Create and track KPIs related to purchasing, inventory, supplier performance, and cost reduction.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field.
- 3+ years of procurement, purchasing, or supply chain management experience (5-10 years overall working experience).
- Previous leadership experience managing direct reports.
- Bilingual in Italian and/or Spanish, in addition to English; Italian preferred.
- Experience working with ERP systems and willingness to learn how to use E21 and RELEX.
- Exposure to AI-powered business tools and process automation initiatives.
- Strong analytical and management skills.
- Advanced proficiency in Excel and reporting tools.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
- Fresh food supply chain or general distribution experience preferred but not required.
- Prior management experience.
- Experience leading system implementations, process improvements, or digital transformation projects.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Total target compensation: $125,000 - $165,000, flexible on composition (base salary vs. performance bonus) based on candidate preference.
- Performance-based bonus opportunity.
- 401(k) plan, medical insurance, and vision insurance.
WHY FOREVER CHEESE
This is a hands-on leadership role with direct influence over how Forever Cheese sources, negotiates, and manages its supply chain - including the rollout of new ERP and AI-driven procurement tools. For an experienced procurement professional who wants to modernize and build out a purchasing function within a growing specialty foods company, this role offers both immediate impact and long-term career opportunity.
