Lead Category Sourcing - Ingredients

Brown‑Forman Corporation • Louisville, KY

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Join our team as a Lead Category Sourcing Manager – Ingredients and lead ingredient procurement in spirits manufacturing operations. This role focuses on driving market analysis, mitigating risks, and delivering value through strategic supplier relationships. Responsibilities include negotiating and implementing commercial agreements, resolving supplier disputes, and coordinating regional and local sourcing efforts. Additional duties involve leading supplier development initiatives, supporting strategic sourcing strategies, and leveraging financial systems to optimize procurement processes. Bring procurement expertise and a strategic mindset to a global leader in the spirits industry. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic and innovative environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance OR related field OR CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management)/Equivalent Certification and minimum of 4 years sourcing and supply chain experience (including at least 4 years in sourcing) preferably in a beverage, food or consumer goods commodity driven environment.
• Superior negotiation skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Able to persuade, motivate and compel support for key ideas and initiatives, via persuasive discussions, and delivering clear and concise presentations.
• Capability to work in a fast moving environment, and simultaneously work on multiple assignments.
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with diverse global teams.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple inquiries from internal and external partners.
• Demonstrated analytical capability, and investigative/root cause capability to provide strong tactical and strategic support to the department and global organization.
• Demonstrated organization skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to travel to suppliers and bottling facilities (up to 10%).

Responsibilities

• Strategic Category Management & Innovation Lead end-to-end sourcing market analysis, risk mitigation, and value delivery for designated categories. Assist in the development and implementation of global category strategies by aligning with R&D, Packaging, and Global Supplier Quality. Lead sourcing activities to support New Product Development (NPD) and acquired brands.
• Supplier Relationship & Performance Management Architect equitable, ethical, and strategic supplier relationships, serving as the primary point of contact for suppliers in designated categories. Negotiate commercial agreements and resolve supplier disputes. Lead supplier development efforts, maintaining key performance metrics (KPIs) and consistent onboarding/renewal processes. Partner with Global Supplier Quality to ensure all specifications and standards are met or exceeded.
• Operational Excellence & Financial Stewardship Execute effective cost-reduction strategies and leverage spend systems to maximize financial efficiency. Oversee tactical execution at the site level, providing direction on pricing, timing, and vendor selection to production facilities. Manage necessary administrative functions, including PO processing and system maintenance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level