Manager, Purchasing - Live Goods
About The Position
For more than 150 years, Burpee has been helping generations of gardeners grow with confidence. We are seeking an experienced Procurement Manager to lead sourcing and supplier management initiatives that support our continued growth and commitment to quality. This is a highly visible role that combines strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, contract seed production oversight, and cross-functional partnership. The successful candidate will work closely with Operations, Planning, Production, Finance, Sales, Marketing, and Product teams to ensure materials, products, and services are sourced efficiently, delivered on time, and aligned with Burpee's business objectives.
Requirements
- Proven success negotiating complex, high-value supplier agreements and long-term contracts.
- Extensive experience managing domestic and international procurement and sourcing activities.
- Experience leading and developing purchasing or procurement teams.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to conduct cost-benefit analyses, manage budgets, and forecast demand.
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems and procurement technologies a must.
- Strong business acumen, negotiation skills, and supplier relationship management expertise.
- Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution in a fast-paced heavily seasonal environment.
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Nice To Haves
- Experience managing relationships with contract seed growers is preferred but not required.
- Experience working in a D365 environment preferred but not required.
Responsibilities
- Manage procurement activities for raw materials, finished goods, live goods, contract seed production, and operational supplies.
- Manage the end-to-end planning and implementation of all contract seed production for exclusive, non-exclusive, and proprietary varieties.
- Develop and maintain strategic supplier relationships, including performance management, cost reduction initiatives, and risk mitigation strategies.
- Lead and execute RFQ and sourcing activities to improve quality, increase competition, and optimize costs.
- Monitor and assess market conditions or trends to identify supply chain risks and opportunities.
- Drive resolution of supplier quality and performance issues.
- Partner with Finance on annual procurement budgets and forecasting.
- Collaborate with Planning and Production teams to ensure material availability and continuity of supply.
- Support Marketing and Design teams with sourcing and cost analysis for merchandising and display initiatives.
- Identify and evaluate new sourcing opportunities that strengthen Burpee's competitive position.
- Maintain accurate procurement data, purchase orders, and supplier records within ERP systems.
- Forecast purchasing requirements and inventory needs in partnership with key stakeholders.
- Support vendor, receiving, and inventory issue resolution.
- Continuously improve and optomize procurement processes, inventory management, and supplier performance.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Education Level
No Education Listed
