Procurement Manager - Materials Management

Work Shift:

Pay Type:

Hourly Rate (if applicable):

Targeted Base Salary Range (if applicable):

JOB OVERVIEW:

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Materials Replenishment & Execution

• Create and own Blue Diamond's materials management strategy for direct materials to maintain optimal inventory levels and prevent shortages or overstock, based on industry standards, production needs, inventory levels, target days of supply (DOS), and forecasted demand
• Determine and maintain key data inputs such as target DOS based on company's needs, cash, and storage capacity; reordering point; lead times; item pricing tiers; MOQs, safety stock. Ensure replenishment strategy follows best practices and utilizes technology, optimized tools, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Create, manage, and release purchase orders (POs) aligned to forecast, demand plans, and production schedules (for 2 Blue Diamond sites and 1-2 co-manufacturers)
• Work with IT to implement an MRP that provides for accurate PO recommendations and supplier and item-level forecasts and aligns to Procurement's master data and inventory targets such as DOS, lead times, safety stock, etc. Use Excel or other analytics tools (e.g., PowerBI) that mimic an MRP as a forecast to purchase from, until Blue Diamond has a fully-functioning MRP in place; be able to manipulate data as needed to use as a forecast for purchasing raw materials
• Monitor inventory health and proactively adjust orders based on changes in demand, lead time, or supplier constraints.
• Ensure materials are available to meet production requirements and customer delivery commitments
• Develop process for overseeing Blue Diamond's co-manufacturers' materials replenishment strategy including providing forecasts to suppliers; monitoring their inventory levels; escalating their issues to suppliers; and tracking KPIs
• For packaging or formulation changes, lead and manage the runout of materials to minimize scrap and excess costs
• Attend co-manufacturers' daily production meetings to capture required information in order to place accurate POs for ingredients and packaging used in production, while also relaying pertinent information back to Blue Diamond and its procurement and planning teams

Supplier Management

• Manage day-to-day supplier relationships for assigned direct material suppliers
• Track supplier performance including on-time delivery, lead time adherence, fill rate, quality issues, and responsiveness, which will be used in supplier scorecards at quarterly/bi-annual business reviews
• Create, ensure accuracy, and distribute forecasts on a monthly cadence to all direct material suppliers
• Resolve supply disruptions through escalations, expediting, substitutions, or alternate sourcing strategies
• Collaborate with Quality and Operations teams on supplier corrective actions and continuous improvement
• Ensure contract compliance by reviewing all Blue Diamond's ingredient and packaging contracts that are executed in order to comply with the company's obligations such as forecast cadence, lead times, etc
• Support Senior Manager, Procurement - Direct Materials with materials and data for Supplier Business Reviews and scorecards; attend business reviews for direct material suppliers and follow-up on action items related to replenishment
• Work with Accounts Payable to ensure timely payment of invoices; work to resolve any three-way match/invoice issues

Inventory & Cost Optimization

• Balance inventory targets and service level expectations while minimizing working capital and avoiding obsolescence
• Identify cost-saving opportunities through negotiation, standardization, freight optimization, MOQs, and supplier collaboration
• Support periodic pricing reviews, contract renewals, and cost/usage analysis

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Partner with Planning, Manufacturing, and Logistics to align materials plans with business needs
• Provide clear communication on supply risks, constraints, and mitigation plans
• Support new product launches, material transitions, and engineering, and regulatory changes by ensuring supply readiness
• Work with the Logistics team to arrange for Blue Diamond-managed freight in some instances
• At times, assist in inventory counts at co-manufacturers for Blue Diamond

Reporting & Process Improvement

• Develop (and report out on) industry-standard KPIs for inventory management (inventory positions, open orders, DOS, shortages), create replenishment dashboards to track them monthly, and ensure compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement in procurement planning processes, tools, and data accuracy
• Maintain accurate master data related to purchasing (lead times, vendor information, pricing, MOQ, pack size, etc)
• Track and report out on forecast accuracy
• Assist possibly in creating reports with IT or analysts to enhance the Procurement team's data

• A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or related fields.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in materials management, supply chain, procurement, or inventory control
• Strong understanding of inventory planning concepts (forecasting inputs, safety stock, lead times, service levels)
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (e.g., ERP, MRP, SAP) and strong Excel skills
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills
• Proven ability to collaborate across departments, manage costs, and think critically and strategically to develop new processes and systems and to challenge the status-quo
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with high attention to detail.
• Knowledge of best practices and industry standards for materials replenishment strategies
• Previous experience in food manufacturing and managing materials with short shelf-life
• 5-15% travel required to visit Blue Diamond manufacturing plants, co-manufacturing partners, and/or suppliers
• A high-energy individual with a positive can-do attitude

Preferred Skills:

• Working knowledge of supplier contracts and negotiation
• Experience with S&OP/IBP processes.
• APICS certification (CPIM/CSCP) a plus
• Lean or Six Sigma certification or experience
• Experience with PowerBI, Tableau, or other data analytical tools/systems
• Passion for agriculture, the food industry, sustainability, and our mission

• N/A

• Able to sit for long hours

• Office environment

WHY BLUE DIAMOND?

In addition to working at the world's largest, state-of-the-art almond manufacturer, we offer a safe and collaborative team environment, with numerous opportunities for free training and career advancement. Check out the BDG Benefits, Health & Wellness GuideHERE .

Ready to get started? Apply now!