PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

Responsible for the development and implementation of strategic and tactical activities of Simmons Foods procurement operations in conjunction with the Director of Procurement Operations. Overseas the procurement for delegated facilities.

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES - This is a salary Exempt position

Oversees facility procurement of direct materials (proteins, ingredients, and packaging) for all assigned operations. Works through direct reports to meet operational needs. Provides procurement leadership and influences business partners to consider new and creative strategies that drive and support company goals and objectives. This position is further responsible for supporting other cost reduction initiatives. Assists the Director of Procurement Operations with global procurement strategies, processes, and execution.

Drives process standardization and works to optimize synergies between all assigned facilities. Supports each facility and helps develop systems to ensure on time delivery of materials to our plants and customers alike. Develops a comprehensive working capital strategy that helps minimize obsolescence while supporting our business requirements. Works with cross functional teams to ensure collaborative and system wide approach to problem solving and qualify planning methods.

Maximizes financial effectiveness and profitability. Responsible for coaching a team in replenishment management and buying, inventory management, and product flow. Responsible for working with sourcing to minimize purchase price variance. Works with sourcing to determine the root cause of performance failures with vendors and puts sustained, corrective action in place to avoid future misses, as well as, creates opportunities for continuous improvement.

Manages employees Directs and supervises employees’ work activities and monitors work performance. Collaborates with Human Resources to screen, interview and hire candidates. Administers disciplinary actions and recommends performance improvement actions in collaboration with the HR Manager. Monitors work performance and recommends compensation decisions based on guidelines. Follows Simmons values to develop and maintain a favorable working relationship with all employees. Promotes a cooperative and harmonious environment in order to facilitate positive employee morale, productivity, and continuous improvement.

Participates as a member of the Team. Participates in the ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization.

Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons’ established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position’s role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas.

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the person in this position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person as to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position.

Physical Activities: Enters and locates information on a computer. Visually verifies information, often in small print. Communicates with customers, vendors, or employees via telephone, in person, and/or electronic mail. May present information to small or large groups. Moves about in a manufacturing environment, office environment, and surrounding property.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): As required by visiting facility.

Travel: Travels within North America, often requiring overnight stays. Approximately 15-25%.

Technical Experience: 7 years procurement experience within the Food Industry and/or Consumer Packaging. Comprehensive knowledge and 3 years’ experience with Oracle and/or similar MRP based software. Managerial experience is strongly preferred. Strong analytical ability, production scheduling knowledge and financial and commercial awareness required. Experience effectively managing working capital and customer requirements.

Industry Experience: Preference for food processing organization.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree in supply chain, business, or related field, or 4 years related work experience.

Preferred Education: Professional Designation within the Procurement field.

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