Strategic Sourcing Commodity Manager-Fresh

Baxters North America Inc•Cincinnati, OH

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Strategic Sourcing Commodity Manager – Fresh is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for fruits, vegetables, and other fresh commodities. This role ensures compliance with specifications and regulatory requirements while driving business objectives related to cost competitiveness, quality, and supply continuity. Key responsibilities include leading structured supplier negotiations, managing contracting processes, and collaborating with internal stakeholders to define material, quality, and service standards. The manager monitors supplier performance through KPIs and scorecards and proactively identifies new sources, methods, and vendors to maintain a reliable, compliant, and innovative supply base.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required
+7 years of experience in food manufacturing required.
Overall knowledge and understanding and impacts of procurement strategy and execution to broader business.
Vendor Management
Contracts Management & Administration
Demand Forecasting
Inventory Management
Negotiation
Procurement
Supplier Management
Regulatory Compliance
Economic Research
Strategic Sourcing
Strategic Thinking
Business Acumen
Strong Communication Skills
Collaborative
Emotional Intelligence
Adaptable
Teamwork
Integrity
Operational Excellence

Responsibilities

Develop and implement sourcing strategies for fresh produce categories (fruits, vegetables, and other fresh commodities), ensuring compliance with product specifications, food safety standards, and regulatory requirements while achieving cost, quality, and supply continuity objectives.
Lead supplier negotiations and contracting processes using structured approaches (RFPs, negotiation tactics, cost analysis) to deliver cost savings and mitigate supply risk.
Monitor market trends, seasonal availability, and regulatory changes impacting fresh produce sourcing to inform strategic decisions and maintain supply resilience.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders (Quality, Operations, Legal, Compliance) to ensure adherence to food safety protocols, quality standards, and business requirements.
Manage supplier performance through KPIs and scorecards, including delivery reliability, compliance, sustainability initiatives, and innovation opportunities.
Optimize supply chain lead times and inventory planning to meet demand forecasts while minimizing waste and obsolescence in fresh categories.
Develop category plans aligned with business strategy to deliver competitive advantage and support growth in fresh produce sourcing.
Provide insight-based analysis of organizational needs and supplier markets to identify sourcing opportunities and mitigate risk.
Support S&OP and budgeting processes by providing procurement cost inputs, delivery timelines, and risk assessments for fresh commodities.
Maintain accurate reporting and documentation for sourcing activities, supplier management, and compliance, including approved supplier lists and supply base consolidation.
Ensure compliance with pricing, master data, and invoice accuracy; manage vendor claims and resolve price variances for fresh produce purchases.
Build strategic supplier relationships that enhance reliability, quality, and long-term value for fresh commodity sourcing programs.
Collaborate with production and supporting departments to ensure the food safety and quality of our products.
Performs other duties as assigned.