Job Description
SUMMARY: The Director of Sourcing and Procurement leads the company’s domestic and global sourcing, supplier management, and procurement operations to ensure cost-effective acquisition of ingredients, packaging, raw materials, MRO and services that meet the company’s quality, food safety, sustainability, and delivery standards. This role is a core member of the senior leadership team and reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer. This position plays a critical part in aligning sourcing strategies with the company’s business goals, product development pipeline, and operational efficiency — particularly within the premium and private-label pet food markets. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Develop and implement comprehensive sourcing and procurement strategies aligned with company growth, profitability, and innovation objectives Partner with executive leadership, R&D, and cross-functional teams to align sourcing strategies with product development, capacity planning, and operational needs Contribute to senior leadership initiatives, including strategic planning, business reviews, and company-wide decision-making Lead and develop a high-performing procurement team, including organizational design, talent development, and performance management Identify, qualify, and manage a global supplier base; establish strategic partnerships to support innovation, quality, and supply continuity Holds final decision authority for supplier selection, sourcing strategies, and major procurement contracts. Establish and monitor supplier performance metrics and scorecards to drive continuous improvement in quality, delivery, and sustainability Owns the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of procurement processes, systems, and policies to improve efficiency and scalability Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Regulatory, and R&D teams to resolve supply challenges and ensure compliance with applicable food safety and regulatory standards Develop and manage departmental budgets, cost reduction initiatives, and key performance indicators; present results and recommendations to senior leadership Analyze commodity markets, global supply risks, and economic trends to proactively mitigate disruptions and support business continuity Drive cost savings through strategic sourcing, value engineering, and total cost of ownership analysis Ensure compliance with company policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements, including FDA, AAFCO, and USDA guidelines Champion sustainability and responsible sourcing initiatives, including supplier compliance with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards Support supply chain traceability, supplier diversity, and corporate sustainability reporting initiatives Ensures sourcing strategies are effectively executed to maintain service levels, prevent production disruptions, and support plant performance Establish and monitor performance metrics related to cost savings, supplier performance, service levels, and team effectiveness Owns escalation and resolution of critical supply disruptions and supplier-related risks impacting business continuity Supervisory Responsibilities: Leads and directs the sourcing and procurement team, providing strategic guidance and day-to-day oversight. Carries out management responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; setting performance expectations; appraising performance; coaching and developing team members; rewarding and disciplining employees; and addressing employee concerns while resolving issues in a timely and effective manner. Additionally, fosters a collaborative, high-performance culture and ensures alignment across cross-functional teams. Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Education and/or Experience: Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Food Science, Business Administration, or a related field required. MBA or advanced degree preferred. CPSM, CPIM, or equivalent professional certification a plus. 10+ years of progressive sourcing, procurement, or supply chain leadership experience, preferably in food manufacturing, pet food, animal nutrition, or consumer