Senior Buyer (Procurement)
About The Position
The Senior Buyer drives the Business Operations agenda for the Kingsford Business Unit, with accountability for raw materials—including wood-based fuel, lignite, borax, and other briquette ingredients—and external manufacturing. The role oversees a diverse operational portfolio and partners with central and Kingsford functions to execute operational plans, manage suppliers, and deliver continuous improvement across Kingsford’s manufacturing network. As an execution leader, the role translates Kingsford strategy into actionable plans, tracks progress, resolves issues, and maintains performance through the seasonal grilling cycle. It identifies opportunities to improve efficiency and deliver cost and performance gains while ensuring compliance and operational excellence. Working closely with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, R&D, Procurement, and other cross-functional teams, the role connects strategy with execution, supports decision-making with operational insights, and serves as an escalation point for supplier and operational issues to protect supply continuity.
Requirements
- 3–5 years of Supply Chain experience in a global, matrixed organization.
- At least 1 year of Sourcing and Procurement experience.
- Experience sourcing raw materials, packaging, and external manufacturing.
- Strong understanding of sourcing processes, procurement tools, and RFP management.
- Experience with cost analysis, supplier negotiations, and contract management.
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to evaluate cost drivers, support value analysis, and contribute to cost optimization and risk mitigation.
- Ability to take ownership of projects and work effectively across cross-functional teams.
- Proactive communication, accountability, and collaboration in fast-paced environments.
- Ability to support process optimization and change initiatives within Procurement and Supply Chain.
- Ability to identify efficiency opportunities and implement solutions that improve performance and consistency.
- Ability to build strong relationships with internal teams and external suppliers.
- Ability to present data and insights clearly to influence decisions and drive alignment.
- Ability to collaborate with Research & Development, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Finance.
- Knowledge of regional and local supply markets relevant to Kingsford.
- Hands-on experience supporting manufacturing and supply chain operations.
- Experience managing external manufacturing partners.
- Ability to support supply reliability during seasonal demand peaks.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in a fast-paced, dynamic, seasonal consumer products or process-manufacturing environment.
- Experience with commodity-driven or bulk materials, such as wood, coal, or minerals.
- Familiarity with wood-based fuel, lignite, borax, and packaging markets.
- Understanding of key suppliers, market trends, and procurement or operational challenges.
Responsibilities
- Drive procurement for the Kingsford Business Unit by translating business needs and priorities into actionable plans and measurable results.
- Lead procurement activities across the Business Unit and manage end-to-end processes from sourcing through supplier performance and delivery.
- Align procurement activities with operational goals, seasonal demand, production plans, and performance targets.
- Oversee procurement tools and processes, including tenders and RFPs for raw materials and external manufacturing.
- Monitor spend, supplier performance, and initiative results, and continuously optimize efficiency and impact.
- Identify and mitigate supply risks affecting critical Kingsford inputs, including borax, lignite, and wood-based fuel.
- Manage supplier performance measures for quality, delivery, reliability, and cost; resolve issues, implement corrective actions, and drive improvement.
- Conduct supplier governance processes and business reviews, communicate expectations, and build collaborative supplier relationships.
- Ensure sourcing activities and supplier agreements are efficient, compliant, and support cost, quality, and service objectives.
- Support the adoption and consistent use of procurement systems, standardized processes, and best practices.
- Plan and manage resources across Kingsford projects and initiatives, monitor progress, address issues, and drive accountability for timely execution ahead of peak season.
- Develop and execute action plans for service and quality challenges to maintain operations and product availability during peak grilling season.
- Lead root cause analysis and implement sustainable corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Keep senior leadership informed and engaged on operational challenges and improvement efforts.
- Work with Kingsford R&D and Procurement to incorporate business needs into category strategies and align innovation, sourcing priorities, and business objectives.
Benefits
- Comprehensive, competitive benefits and robust health plans.
- Market-leading 401(k) program with a company match.
- Flexible time off benefits, including half-day summer Fridays depending on location.
- Inclusive fertility and adoption benefits.
- Participation in Clorox incentive plans, subject to applicable plan terms and policies.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
