Manager - Procurement, Ingredients

All External Jobs•Chicago, IL

53d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is responsible for commercial ownership and strategic sourcing accountabilities for all Sweeteners, Acidulants, and Premixed Ingredients across North America. The Procurement Manager will lead the development, communication, and execution of category strategies that drive competitive advantage through supplier partnerships, market intelligence, cost optimization, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement. The role serves as the primary procurement partner to Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, R&D, Quality, and Commercial teams and is accountable for delivering value through strategic sourcing initiatives, supplier relationship management, commodity risk management, and procurement analytics. Success in this role requires a strong blend of commercial acumen, analytical capability, ingredient market expertise, and procurement leadership. This position directly manages approximately $60MM of annual direct material spend and plays a critical role in supporting business growth, innovation, productivity targets, and supply continuity.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Engineering, Food Science or other related field.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship now or in the future.
Must be located in Chicago, IL surrounding area or willing to relocate for the duration of employment.
Willingness to adapt and thrive in a blended work environment with 3-days in office, seamlessly transitioning between remote work and in-office operations.

Nice To Haves

7+ years of progressive procurement, strategic sourcing, supply chain, or category management experience with a preference for food, beverage, ingredients, agriculture, or consumer packaged goods industries.
Demonstrated experience leading strategic sourcing events including RFIs, RFPs, RFQs, supplier selection, and contract negotiations.
Strong knowledge of ingredient and commodity markets, including market dynamics, pricing mechanisms, risk factors, and supply structures.
Advanced analytical capabilities with experience in spend analysis, cost modeling, forecasting, financial analysis, and data-driven decision making.
Proven track record delivering measurable cost savings, productivity, risk reduction, and supplier performance improvements.
Experience managing supplier relationships and leading cross-functional projects in complex business environments.
Strong negotiation, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with SAP, Power BI, procurement analytics tools, or similar systems preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies for Sweeteners, Acidulants, and Premixed Ingredients that align with business objectives and long-term supply chain priorities.
Lead end-to-end strategic sourcing initiatives, including market assessments, supplier identification, RFI/RFP/RFQ development and execution, supplier evaluation, negotiations, contracting, implementation, and ongoing supplier governance.
Continuously evaluate supplier capabilities, market competitiveness, and emerging opportunities to improve value, resilience, and innovation.
Develop sourcing strategies that optimize Total Cost of Ownership while balancing cost, quality, service, innovation, and risk.
Lead commercial negotiations and contract management activities to maximize value creation and mitigate business risk.
Maintain deep knowledge of ingredient and commodity markets, including pricing mechanisms, supply-demand dynamics, agricultural trends, geopolitical impacts, regulatory developments, and key cost drivers.
Monitor and analyze commodity indices.