We are a California based grower and seller of conventional and organic fresh lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower and other vegetables. In business for over 35 years, we are one of the most respected grower/packer/shippers in the industry.
We now have an immediate opening for a Director of Procurement to join our team in the Salinas, CA Area.
The Director of Procurement will manage key sourcing, purchasing, leasing and vendor relationships. This includes a broad spectrum of activity, including packaging and manufacturing, equipment, leases, fleet, fuel, chemicals and fertilizer. This role will focus on enhancing procurement strategy and optimizing value from our vendor partners through effective management of our significant annual spend. This includes delivering cost savings, cash flow improvements, supply optimization, risk management, supply agreements and supplier relationship management.
The Director of Procurement must be a broadly skilled strategic procurement leader with a high level of intelligence, executive presence, business acumen and a natural leader with a curious outlook. The role requires hands on, self- starter that is capable of driving change. Additionally, this role requires strong partnering skills with a commercial perspective, strong negotiation and analytical experience and a desire to lead continuous improvement. The position will manage and develop a direct team.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- Directly supervises employees and carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with our Company’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and solving problems.
Qualifications:
- To perform this job successfully, the employee 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 Training and/or Experience:
- Bachelor's Degree (minimum) in Business, Science related discipline, or Engineering is preferred; an MBA and or MS is highly desirable. Relevant procurement certifications are valued.
- 10 plus years of experience with procurement/supply chain management with progression through management positions.
- Expertise in managing and negotiating supplier contracts.
- Deep understanding of sourcing and procurement best practices that support supplier assessment, qualification and ongoing management review process.
- Demonstrated ability to drive continuous cost reductions and vendor optimization.
- Extensive background of cross-functional collaboration, executive level communications as well as strong interpersonal, networking and relationship-building skills.
- Passion for coaching and development and ability to have fun.
Language and Communication Skills:
- To perform this job successfully, an individual must have the ability to communicate effectively in all circumstances, including over the phone, email and in person. Must have excellent written and verbal interpersonal skills to communicate, work with and respond to questions from employees, team members, supervisor, management and external stakeholders. Must be able to effectively present information.
Mathematical Skills:
- Must have the ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide and apply concepts (fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions) to practical situations.
Reasoning Ability:
- Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where limited standardization exists.
- Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Ability to read and interpret contract terminology and interpret large data sets.
Computer Skills:
- To perform this job successfully, an individual must be proficient with Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Other Skills and Attributes:
- Promotes a positive Company image and supports Department, and Company priorities.
- Must be able to maintain and abide by confidentiality.
- Must be honest, trustworthy and respectful.
- Must be a team player with a can-do attitude and be goal driven.
- Must work well with minimal supervision, take initiative, be a self-starter, have a sense of urgency and be process driven.
- Must be able to work independently and in a team environment, with minimal supervision, in a fast pace and high volume environment with an emphasis on accuracy and timeliness.
- Must have excellent communication, organizational skills and great attention to detail.
- Must have excellent analytical, quantitative, execution and project management skills.
- Must have the ability to multitask problem solving, and data analysis skills.
This position requires the ability to work well under pressure, be flexible and meet Company goals and deadlines. Must be able to work full-time during normal business hours. On occasion, this position will require working outside normal business hours.
