Director Procurement Excellence

Maker's Pride Talent Acquisition Team•Downers Grove, IL

1d•$160,266 - $240,400•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Procurement Excellence is a strategic leadership role responsible for driving end-to-end procurement effectiveness across indirect spend, packaging, and ingredients. This role partners closely with senior leadership to optimize sourcing strategies, enhance operational execution, and lead high-impact cross-functional initiatives. The Director will oversee key category leaders and develop proactive, forward-looking procurement strategies aligned with business growth objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or related field (MBA preferred)
10+ years of progressive procurement/supply chain leadership experience, including category management.
Experience managing both direct ingredients/packaging and indirect procurement categories
Strong understanding of cost structures, market drivers, and financial analysis with the ability to manage large spend portfolios and deliver measurable savings and value creation
Proficiency in leveraging data, analytics, and market intelligence to inform sourcing decisions, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement
Advanced project management skills with experience leading cross-functional, enterprise-wide initiatives; ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results on time
Experience designing and implementing scalable processes, governance models, and best practices to improve procurement effectiveness and efficiency
Expert-level negotiation skills with the ability to influence both internal stakeholders and external partners to achieve optimal outcomes

Nice To Haves

MBA preferred

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive procurement excellence strategy that supports organizational goals, cost optimization, and supply continuity
Drive proactive, data-informed strategic planning across all procurement categories, identifying risks, opportunities, and market trends
Establish and standardize best practices, processes, and governance across the procurement function
Lead sourcing strategy and supplier management for indirect categories (e.g., HR, professional services, IT, Marketing, Travel, corporate spend)
Identify cost savings, efficiency opportunities, and supplier consolidation initiatives
Provide oversight and strategic direction to the Sr. Manager, Packaging Procurement (direct report), including management of a team of 1
Ensure continuity of supply, cost competitiveness, and innovation in packaging solutions
Lead the Sr. Manager, Ingredients Procurement (direct report), including oversight of a team of 2
Drive supplier strategy, risk mitigation, and cost management across key ingredient categories
Lead and oversee procurement-related projects, including cross-functional initiatives tied to supply chain optimization, product launches, and operational improvements
Ensure disciplined project execution, clear timelines, accountability, and measurable outcomes
Partner with Finance, Operations, R&D, and Commercial teams to align procurement initiatives with broader business priorities
Anticipate market shifts, supply risks, and cost pressures to proactively develop mitigation and sourcing strategies
Build and maintain long-range procurement plans aligned with organizational growth, innovation, and margin targets
Leverage analytics and insights to guide decision-making and continuously improve procurement performance
Lead, coach, and develop high-performing procurement leaders and their teams
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Strengthen organizational capability in sourcing, negotiation, and supplier management