Director of Procurement

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Head of Procurement to oversee and optimize our organization's procurement processes. Reporting directly to the CEO, the successful candidate will be responsible for leading a team in developing and executing strategic sourcing strategies to ensure cost-effective acquisition of goods and services, acting as a player-coach. This role requires exceptional leadership skills, extensive knowledge of fresh produce procurement best practices, and a track record of successful negotiations with grower/shippers, wholesalers, and end users. Role will have direct commodity buying responsibility in addition to leading the procurement department. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Identify new opportunities to build programs with fresh produce grower shippers and partner with the VP of Sales and Marketing to drive a high growth business development strategy.
• Lead and supervise the procurement team in executing all aspects of the procurement process, including vendor selection, contract negotiation, supplier relationship management, and commodity level growth initiatives.
• Regular review of company data to identify opportunities for growth within existing and new customers.
• Collaborate with departments across the organization to identify and prioritize procurement needs, ensuring timely acquisition of goods and services in line with budgetary and quality requirements.
• Oversee the procurement budget, monitor spending, and identify areas for cost savings and process improvements. Partnering with the Director of Strategic Pricing to identify margin opportunities.
• Maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and vendors, evaluating their performance and ensuring compliance with contract terms and conditions.
• Stay up to date with industry trends, market conditions, and regulatory changes that may impact procurement strategies.
• Evaluate and recommend sourcing methods, materials, and suppliers, considering factors such as quality, price, and reliability.
• Develop and implement measures to assess and manage risks, ensuring that appropriate mitigation strategies are in place.
• Guide and mentor the procurement team in professional development, performance management, and talent acquisition.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for process automation and digital transformation initiatives within the procurement function.

Qualifications:

• Deep Produce related experience is a must.  Experience in putting together grower / shipper deals and understanding of overall produce supply chain, from grower to end user.
• Proven experience of at least 8-10 years in produce procurement, with a minimum of 5 years in a leadership role. Has led or participated in a successful transformation or structural realignment with a diverse team.
• In-depth knowledge of procurement best practices, contract negotiation, and sourcing strategies.
• Strong understanding of market dynamics and industry trends within the relevant sector.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with suppliers, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills, both written and verbal. Demonstrated proficiency in selling as well as buying a huge plus.
• Proficiency in procurement software and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

The Head of Procurement will play a pivotal role in ensuring the organization maintains a streamlined and efficient procurement process, while cultivating strong vendor relationships and optimizing costs. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of the organization by strategically managing the procurement function and how it interacts with sales and customers.