Summary

The Procurement Category Manager -External Manufacturing and Specialties is responsible for leading the development and execution of strategies for sourcing finished products through external manufacturers and co-packers, as well as procuring specialty ingredients, including frozen and ambient finished foods, frozen ingredients, frozen vegetables, and frozen fruits across the potato, vegetable, and fruit categories. This role addresses the strategic importance of product sourcing across markets.

As finished products and specialty ingredients play a critical role in brand value and revenue growth, this role serves as a strategic driver of competitive advantage. The position ensures cost-effective sourcing, supply continuity, effective supplier relationship management, innovation, and sustainability by leveraging global supply networks and supplier capabilities, while aligning business objectives with cross-functional and regional stakeholders. It also proactively manages risks and builds high-performing supplier partnerships that deliver long-term value. By optimizing the supply network and fostering cross-functional collaboration, this role directly contributes to enhanced profitability, long-term business resilience, and strategic agility.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy Development, Contract Negotiations, and Execution:

• Design and implement a comprehensive procurement strategy for sourcing finished product through external manufacturers and co-packers, as well as procuring specialty ingredients that align with business objectives and supports regional needs.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers across regions to ensure quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Ensure long-term value delivery and consistent execution across the Americas, Asia Pacific, and European markets.
• Lead contract negotiations and may contribute to regional negotiations led by the region. Manage supplier agreements to secure competitive pricing, quality, and supply continuity.
• Drive specification and supplier harmonization to unlock volume leverage and achieve savings target.
• Navigate ambiguity and make informed decisions amid uncertainty, incomplete data, or shifting priorities.
• Set financial budget by using market insights and cost benchmarks and monitor Purchase Price Variance (PPV).

Cross-Functional and Regional Collaboration, Synergies, and Cost Optimization:

• Partner with and influence stakeholders across R&D, Regulatory, Food Safety, Packaging Engineering, Planning, Operations, Finance, and Marketing to integrate sourcing strategies, harmonize specifications and supplier bases to reduce complexity and achieve savings targets.
• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities through strategic sourcing, supplier consolidation, and value engineering initiatives.
• Proactively adapt strategies to meet evolving business needs.
• Support internal stakeholders in driving innovation and project execution.
• Represent Procurement in cross-functional team meetings, providing insights, and bridging supplier capabilities with the business objectives.

Supplier Relationships Management and Performance Driving:

• Supply Chain Resilience and Support Manufacturing Operations:
• Support markets across Americas, Asia Pacific, and Europe by ensuring supply continuity presence, and responsiveness to operational needs.
• Build and maintain robust, diversified supply networks to mitigate risk and ensure continuity
• of supply.
• Collaborate with Regional Procurement Category and/or IBP (Integrated Business Planning) teams to align operational priorities, anticipate demand shifts and adapt strategies to support business needs.

Risk Management and Market Intelligence:

• Continuously monitor global market trends, supply dynamics, and geopolitical developments to proactively identify emerging risks and opportunities.
• Implement forward-looking mitigation strategies to ensure supply continuity, cost optimization, and business resilience.

Typical Education

Bachelor's Degree (B.A. or B.S.) from 4 year college or university

Relevant Experience

5+ years related experience and/or training
Job Requisition ID: 27373

Travel Required: Up to 25%

Location(s): Simplot Headquarters - Boise

Country: United States