Sr. Buyer - Procurement

Tropicana Brands Group•Chicago, IL

4d•$70,000 - $96,000•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is responsible for the strategic sourcing, supplier management, and commercial execution of assigned raw material and ingredient categories across North America. The Sr. Buyer develops and executes sourcing strategies that drive value through supplier partnerships, market intelligence, cost optimization, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement initiatives. As a strategic procurement partner, the Sr. Buyer is responsible for delivering measurable business value through cost savings, cost avoidance, productivity improvements, supplier performance enhancements, working capital optimization, and supply assurance. Leveraging analytics, commodity expertise, and cross-functional collaboration, this role supports business objectives through effective sourcing strategies, supplier relationship management, and data-driven decision making.

Requirements

5+ years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, supply chain, purchasing, or category management, preferably within food, beverage, ingredients, agriculture, or consumer packaged goods industries.
Experience leading sourcing projects, including RFIs, RFPs, RFQs, supplier selection, contract negotiations, and supplier relationship management.
Knowledge of ingredient and commodity markets, including pricing mechanisms, market dynamics, supply chain drivers, and risk management principles.
Strong analytical capabilities, including spend analysis, cost modeling, forecasting, budgeting, and data-driven decision making.
Proven track record of delivering cost savings, cost avoidance, process improvements, and supplier performance enhancements.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
Strong negotiation, communication, project management, and relationship management skills.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with SAP, Power BI, and procurement analytics tools preferred.
Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, Finance, Operations, or a related field required.
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

experience with SAP, Power BI, and procurement analytics tools preferred

Responsibilities

Execute sourcing strategies for assigned raw material and ingredient categories in alignment with business objectives and category priorities.
Lead sourcing projects including supplier discovery, market analysis, RFI/RFP/RFQ processes, bid evaluations, negotiations, contracting, implementation, and supplier onboarding.
Conduct commercial negotiations and develop fact-based sourcing recommendations utilizing market intelligence, cost modeling, and supplier assessments.
Identify and execute value creation opportunities through cost savings, cost avoidance, productivity improvements, and supplier-led innovation.
Utilize spend analysis, supplier benchmarking, and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) principles to support sourcing decisions.
Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to align sourcing activities with operational, financial, quality, and innovation objectives.
Maintain contract compliance and identify opportunities to improve cost, service, quality, and supply assurance.
Manage supplier relationships and serve as the primary procurement contact for assigned suppliers.
Monitor supplier performance against established KPIs related to quality, delivery, service, cost, and responsiveness.
Lead supplier business reviews and performance discussions to drive continuous improvement and accountability.
Partner with suppliers to identify cost, productivity, innovation, and service improvement opportunities.
Support supplier qualification, onboarding, risk assessments, and development activities.
Collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve supply, quality, and commercial issues while minimizing business disruption.
Support supply continuity and risk mitigation through effective supplier management and contingency planning.
Monitor ingredient and commodity markets, including pricing trends, supply-demand dynamics, and key market drivers impacting cost and availability.
Track commodity indices, supplier cost structures, and market conditions to support sourcing decisions, budgeting, and forecasting activities.
Develop and communicate market intelligence and pricing insights into procurement leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
Identify supply, market, and pricing risks and support development of mitigation strategies.
Evaluate supplier pricing proposals and cost drivers to support negotiations and value creation initiatives.
Utilize market intelligence and analytics to identify opportunities for cost savings, cost avoidance, and productivity improvements.
Support annual budgeting, forecasting, and business planning through commodity analysis and cost projections.
Analyze spend data, pricing trends, supplier performance metrics, and procurement opportunities to support decision-making.
Develop cost models, savings analyses, and business cases for sourcing initiatives.
Track and report procurement savings, cost avoidance, and productivity performance.
Support annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities related to ingredient spend.
Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, R&D, Quality, and Finance teams to support business objectives, product innovation, and supplier-related initiatives.
Participate in commercialization projects, ingredient transitions, and continuous improvement activities.
Support inventory, supply continuity, and contingency planning efforts with internal and external stakeholders.
Ensure procurement activities align with regulatory, quality, sustainability, and corporate requirements.