Sourcing Manager - External Manufacturing & Raw Materials

Russell Stover•Kansas City, MO

About The Position

As the Sourcing Manager for External Manufacturing and Raw Materials at Russell Stover Chocolates, you will lead efforts to secure high-quality ingredients such as inclusions, dairy, flavors and other specialty ingredients for confectionery production. You will work closely with inventory planning to ensure we are always in an in-stock position for both raw materials and externally manufactured goods. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to lead efforts to source outsourced finished goods as well as manage the sourcing for new product innovation projects. You will lead projects, develop sourcing strategies, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier relationships to ensure uninterrupted supply while also optimizing costs and quality. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams such as R&D, Marketing, and Operations, you will anticipate market trends, mitigate risks, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. This role is pivotal in maintaining product integrity, enhancing supply chain efficiency, and contributing to our company's success, and as such, strong project management will be crucial .

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, or a related field or equivalent work experience.
A minimum of 5 years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management, preferably within the food or confectionery industry, is essential.
Demonstrated success in developing and executing sourcing strategies that deliver cost savings, improve quality, and mitigate supply chain risks is also essential.
Solid understanding of raw material markets, industry trends, and supply chain dynamics within the food or confectionery industry.
Proven analytical and problem-solving skills, capable of analyzing data and deriving actionable insights to drive informed decision-making.
Proficiency in MS Office Suite and ERP systems.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across functions and influence stakeholders at all levels.
Ability to work internationally as well as domestically.
Comfortable traveling 5-10% of the time, or as needed to support business continuity.
Comfortable working in manufacturing, distribution and office settings.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to speak, read, and write English fluently, with or without an accommodation.

Nice To Haves

A master's degree.
Experience within the food or confectionery industry.
Experience with sourcing software/tools.
Experience working cross- functionally with teams in R&D, Marketing, QA, and Operations.
Product Development or External Manufacturing sourcing experience.

Responsibilities

Develop and Execute Sourcing Strategies Formulate comprehensive sourcing strategies to secure a reliable and cost-effective supply of raw materials crucial for chocolate production—tailor strategies to align with company objectives, market dynamics, and quality standards.
External Manufacturing Management Search for and identify suppliers for externally manufactured items- both off the shelf and new product launches. Collaborate cross functionally to ensure sources fulfill all sustainability requirements, meet all quality standards, cost targets, sensory parameters and timelines. Lead the product launch from brief/supplier identification through to launch.
Supplier Management and Negotiation Identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers while fostering solid relationships built on trust and collaboration. Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms to ensure favorable agreements that balance cost optimization with quality assurance.
Cross-Functional Collaboration Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, including R&D, Marketing, Operations, and Quality Assurance, to align sourcing activities with production schedules, quality requirements, and inventory management.
Risk Management and Market Analysis Monitor market trends, supplier performance, and geopolitical developments to anticipate potential risks and disruptions. Implement risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans to ensure uninterrupted supply chain operations.
Continuous Improvement Drive initiatives to optimize sourcing processes, reduce costs, improve quality, and enhance supplier performance. Leverage data analytics and performance metrics to identify process enhancement and innovation opportunities.
Project Management Proficient with standard project management tools and concepts. Capable of leading projects from requirements definition through deployment- identifying timelines, defining scope, budget estimations, statement of work, and implementation plans to including risk mitigation and capacity review. Must be able to coordinate internal and external resources to ensure projects adhere to scope, schedule, and budget.
Compliance and Sustainability Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, industry standards, and company policies related to sourcing, quality, and sustainability—champion ethical sourcing practices and initiatives to enhance the company's reputation and corporate responsibility efforts.
If visiting our manufacturing plants, you will be expected to: Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure product quality and maintain compliance with food safety standards. Complete and follow FSQA training and programs to comply with regulatory requirements, ensure consumer safety, and support the plant’s food safety and quality objectives. Promptly report and take appropriate action on any observed or potential food safety hazards, process deviations, or non-conformities by notifying the designated plant supervisor, in accordance with your role and responsibilities. Actively contributes to the continuous improvement of the company’s Food Safety Culture through engagement and actions aligned with your role.

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