Procurement Manager

The Procurement Manager is responsible for end-to-end sourcing and category management of milk, ingredients, and packaging critical to cottage cheese production. This role owns strategic sourcing, supplier relationships, cost optimization, and supply assurance across conventional and organic dairy as well as primary and secondary packaging categories. The position requires deep understanding of Class II dairy economics, experience working with dairy brokers and farmers, and the ability to partner cross functionally to support growth, margin improvement, and operational continuity across the network.

• Own category strategies for milk, cream, ingredients, and packaging including cups, lids, films, corrugate, and other production critical materials
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies aligned to volume growth, seasonality, risk, and margin targets
• Lead supplier selection, RFPs, contract negotiation, and commercial terms across dairy, ingredients, and packaging categories
• Manage contracts with dairy brokers, cooperatives, packaging converters, and direct suppliers as appropriate
• Monitor dairy and packaging market trends including Class II pricing, organic premiums, resin indices, and regional supply dynamics

• Ensure reliable supply of conventional and organic milk across all manufacturing and co manufacturing locations
• Manage relationships with dairy brokers, cooperatives, and direct farmer partners
• Partner with Quality and Regulatory teams to ensure all suppliers meet food safety, organic certification, and packaging compliance requirements
• Develop contingency plans for supply disruptions including seasonal shifts, market volatility, or supplier outages

• Own sourcing strategy for primary and secondary packaging to support brand, shelf life, and operational performance
• Partner with R&D, Marketing, and Operations on packaging specifications, innovation, and change management
• Lead packaging cost optimization initiatives including specification rationalization, yield improvements, and alternative sourcing
• Support packaging transitions and artwork changes with minimal supply disruption

• Deliver year over year cost savings across dairy, ingredients, and packaging through strategic sourcing and value engineering
• Identify opportunities to optimize formulations, packaging specs, and supplier footprints in partnership with R&D and Operations
• Track and report savings, cost avoidance, and productivity improvements tied to procurement initiatives
• Build strong supplier partnerships focused on reliability, cost transparency, and continuous improvement
• Lead supplier performance reviews across dairy, ingredient, and packaging suppliers
• Drive corrective actions and improvement plans when performance gaps exist

• Execute daily replenishment and inventory strategies for dairy, ingredients, and packaging
• Partner with Planning, Operations, and co manufacturing sites to ensure appropriate inventory levels without excess working capital
• Support floor stock and vendor managed inventory programs where applicable

• Utilize ERP systems to manage contracts, pricing, purchase orders, and supplier data
• Develop reporting to track spend, savings, supplier performance, and supply risk across all categories

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, or related field, equivalent professional experience will be considered
• 5+ years of progressive procurement or sourcing experience in food or CPG manufacturing
• Experience sourcing dairy and packaging required;
  Class II and organic dairy experience strongly preferred
• Familiarity with packaging supply markets including plastics, paper, and corrugate
• Proven track record delivering cost savings and value engineering initiatives
• Strong contract negotiation and cross functional leadership skills
• Multi category category management experience
• Dairy and packaging market expertise
• Cost optimization and value creation
  
  Risk management and supply assurance