Director Of Procurement

Aston Carter•Whittier, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Procurement / Head of Global Procurement leads all sourcing and procurement operations for North America in alignment with global teams, with a strong focus on cost efficiency, supplier excellence, and operational scalability. This role builds and executes robust procurement strategies supported by ERP systems, particularly SAP, to support a fast-paced, high-growth nutraceutical and functional food environment. The position drives strategic sourcing across direct and indirect materials, ensures regulatory and quality compliance, and develops a high-performing procurement team that supports expansion, innovation, and sustainability goals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or a related field is required.
10+ years of procurement experience, including at least 5 years in a leadership role overseeing teams and strategic initiatives.
Industry knowledge: natural plant ingredients, such as nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, functional foods or beverages, probiotics, or related categories.
Experience in environments producing softgels or gummies, ideally within contract manufacturing or similar settings.
Proven success in strategic sourcing, cost reduction, and supplier management in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
Demonstrated expertise in global sourcing and global procurement, with experience working with international suppliers; experience working with China is preferred.
Strong proficiency with ERP systems, with SAP experience strongly preferred.
Deep knowledge of procurement processes, global sourcing, supplier performance management, risk assessment, inventory management, and budget management.
Experience applying lean manufacturing or lean principles within procurement and supply chain operations.
Exceptional leadership skills, including team building, coaching, and leadership development.
Advanced negotiation skills with a track record of securing favorable terms while maintaining strong supplier relationships.
Strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret complex data, assess risk, and make strategic decisions.
Experience ensuring compliance with regulatory and quality standards in nutraceutical, food, beverage, or flavor manufacturing environments.

Nice To Haves

MBA or advanced degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field is preferred.
Professional supply chain certifications are preferred, such as Lean Six Sigma (White, Yellow, Green, or Black Belt), CSCMP, CPSM, CLTD, or CSCP.
Experience in food manufacturing, nutraceutical manufacturing, or flavor-focused operations is highly beneficial.
Well versed lean six sigma methodologies and continuous improvement practices.
Experience working in contract manufacturing or private-label environments supporting multiple brands is an advantage.
Proven ability to thrive in a high-growth, fast-paced setting with evolving product lines and production capabilities.
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional and executive teams.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive procurement strategy for North America that supports the broader Americas region and aligns with overall business growth and operational objectives.
Collaborate closely with global and executive leadership to support expansion, innovation, and sustainability goals through strategic sourcing and supplier partnerships.
Lead cross-functional initiatives to optimize sourcing, supplier performance, and cost savings across the organization.
Oversee end-to-end procurement processes, including supplier identification, sourcing, negotiation, contracting, and ongoing supplier relationship management.
Implement, manage, and optimize ERP systems, with a preference for SAP, to enhance procurement visibility, data integrity, and process efficiency.
Ensure procurement activities comply with regulatory standards and quality requirements specific to the nutraceutical, dietary supplement, and functional food and beverage industries.
Partner with operations and finance teams to align procurement strategies with production needs, inventory targets, and financial goals.
Identify, quantify, and implement cost-saving opportunities while maintaining or improving quality, compliance, and service levels.
Support sustainability and innovation initiatives by sourcing responsible suppliers, ingredients, and materials that align with company values and product strategies.
Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing procurement team, including approximately five direct reports and their extended teams.
Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, data-driven decision-making, and strategic thinking within the procurement organization.
Develop and maintain strategic supplier relationships to ensure quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness across the supply base.
Monitor market trends, commodity pricing, and supply risks, and proactively adjust sourcing strategies to mitigate risk and ensure continuity of supply.
Oversee procurement activities across direct materials, including all raw materials critical to production, and indirect categories such as CAPEX, MRO supplies, third-party services, and general materials.
Drive supplier performance management, including setting KPIs, evaluating results, and implementing corrective actions where necessary.
Lead or support lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives related to procurement, inventory management, and supply chain efficiency.
Manage procurement budgets, forecasts, and performance metrics to meet cost, quality, and service targets.
Contribute to leadership development within the team by coaching, training, and developing future procurement and supply chain leaders.
Support the successful launch and scaling of new production lines, including new gummy manufacturing capabilities, by ensuring timely and cost-effective sourcing of ingredients, packaging, and services.