Director of Purchasing

LAKEVIEW FARMS, LLC
POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION: Director of Purchasing
REPORTS TO: Chief Financial Officer
FLSA CLASS: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY:
The Director of Purchasing will have the overall responsibility for the operational performance of the company’s product sourcing and procurement. Oversees the purchasing, quality, pricing and turnover of items to meet the strategic goals of the company. Successes will be measured through achieving targeted company and management initiatives, and meeting operational and financial benchmarks.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Provide strategic direction to procurement team including: prioritizing activities, goal setting, program development and communication
• Recommend and establish strategic sourcing programs specific to customer needs and expectations
• Procurement of ingredients, packaging and plant supplies on behalf of the Company.
• Explore sourcing alternatives and new products
• Maintains proper ordering procedures according to company policy to ensure effective inventory control to maximize sales and turnover, and to minimize over and under stock levels
• Assist maintenance department in the procurement of repair parts and supplies.
• Coordinate with plant management in acquisition of equipment and other assets required to complete capital projects.
• Interface closely with R&D function to qualify new vendors and products with lower costs and / or improved quality.
• Serve as a resource to the Marketing and Sales functions in the new product development process.
• Communicate consistently and effectively with internal and external partners to develop and maintain programs
• Work closely with the team to ensure we are obtaining the right products, at the best value available, at the best cost
• Partner with sales and operations teams to support new product/new customer sales
• Establish program to measure and monitor vendor performance, including compliance with quality standards.
• Provide raw material cost forecasts for the annual budget process.
• Perform other duties as assigned

POSITION GOALS
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Negotiate measurable and sustainable year-over-year cost savings on a consistent basis.
• Minimize inventory levels while still minimizing product outages and resulting production downtime.
• Improve overall procurement processes, including regular category reviews, formal bid programs and systematic measurement of vendor performance.
• Conduct activities with a continuous focus on improving the quality of the Company’s products.
• Develop and mentor the purchasing staff.
• Serve as a valued resource to the Company’s senior management team.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business or related field, preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of procurement experience, preferably at the Manager or Director level.
• Food industry experience in a high SKU environment.
• Commodity experience with specific knowledge of the dairy markets.
• Experience in futures contracting / hedging.
• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of food products, suppliers, retailers, vendors, market pricing factors, and quality indicators
• Demonstrated ability to apply knowledge of food industry to forecast product prices and seasonal availability
• Advanced understanding of how to lead and develop teams by building mutual trust, respect and cooperation amongst team members
• Excellent communication, relationship building and negotiating skills
• Strong analytical and quantitative ability
• Demonstrated solid working knowledge of Microsoft Applications, including Word & Excel (including spreadsheets)
• Must be a hands-on person who comfortable with lean, fast-paced working environments.