Procurement Manager Direct FOOD & BEVERAGE CONFECTIONS Position Available In Tangipahoa, Louisiana

Procurement Manager Direct

FOOD & BEVERAGE CONFECTIONS 3.0 3.0

out of 5 stars Ponchatoula, LA 70454 Elmer Chocolate is the oldest family-owned chocolate company in America. Our factory in Ponchatoula is the 2nd-largest manufacturer of Valentine boxed chocolate in North America. Blue Cross/Blue Shield medical plans for the entire family Paid vacation 401(k) plan Monthly employee appreciation events Free chocolate The Procurement Manager is responsible for managing sourcing of raw materials and packaging. Key focus areas include purchasing of all materials for candy production, packaging, supplies, and services used by Elmer Chocolate. Works in collaboration with COO, VP of Operations, VP of Sales, Production Manager, and Packaging Manager to understand business needs and creates sourcing strategy to drive procurement value contribution to Elmer Chocolate while ensuring compliance with policies, strategies and processes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, & RESPONSIBILITIES

GENERAL:

Lives and communicates Elmer Chocolate Values, our guiding principles. Adopts and complies with Elmer handbook policies & common practices. Complies with and participates in accountability of State and Federal laws, regulations, & food safety/quality requirements. Collects, monitors, and analyzes data to support reporting and accounting functions. Maintains accurate and timely documentation and record-keeping. Implements continuous improvement/lean tool manufacturing improvement strategies. Other projects or tasks, as assigned.

DIRECT PROCUREMENT

Identifies procurement needs and orders all materials for chocolate production and packaging supplies. Issues inquiries to various vendors and negotiates with vendors for goods and services. Implements supply agreements for ingredients. Ensures ordered items arrive in time and communicates with production. Expedites orders as needed. Ensures quality of goods ordered; coordinates returns / credit for material that does not meet specifications. Develops new supply sources where vendors are inadequate. Examines and analyzes bids. Establishes account/credit and terms. Partial responsibility for BOMs in company ERP system. Familiarization with machine and equipment technical specifications of consequence.

TEAM SUPERVISION

Manages the Inventory Control Specialists. Also manages Supply Chain Associates and Cycle Counter as it relates to inventory counts (dual reporting to Warehouse Manager). Manages and continually improves inventory control procedures for all packaging material with an emphasis on cost reduction and inventory accuracy. Ability to direct and lead direct reports with strong skills in organizational leadership and team accountability. Works closely with Human Resources regarding staffing, training, employee issues, employee discipline, and terminations.

CROSS-FUNCTIONAL COMMUNICATION

Communicates effectively among cross-functional teams in multiple departments. Works closely with production and packaging managers to plan and adjust schedules according to material availability. Coordinates with the sales and marketing team for proofing, product development, and supply and demand planning. Functions as the manufacturing contact for required approvals of packaging design and function. Works closely with the Warehouse Manager to align warehousing needs with items being purchased, inventoried, and stored.

AGILITY:

Requires a sense of urgency in addressing unexpected obstacles and maintaining smooth operations. A high level of responsiveness to operational challenges and changes. Strong crisis management skills with the ability to act swiftly under pressure. Must demonstrate rapid problem-solving and adaptability in a dynamic environment . Available to respond as needed to rare, yet time-sensitive crises after office hours & on weekends. Education and Work Experience Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university required Degree in Finance, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or related field preferred Must be 18+ years old 3 or more years of experience in direct procurement is preferred Experience in chocolate manufacturing and/or consumer packaging goods preferred

Specific Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of Federal and State FDA/Food Safety & Quality Regulations Knowledge of SQF global standards, including but not limited to HACCP, GMPs, CCPs, and Allergen declarations Demonstrates a positive attitude, with common sense for strong decision making and deductive reasoning Demonstrates leadership as an effective role model for the department—able to effectively work with a variety of people and personalities across the company and globally Excellent organizational skills Communication proficiency: verbal and writing Computer skills including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) Advanced or approaching-advanced proficiency in Excel Physical Requirements to Perform this

Job:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job: The employee is occasionally required to stoop, bend, kneel, reach, crouch, crawl, use force, carry & push/pull. Bodily exertion is typical only when trouble-shooting issues on the factory floor. Ability to sit or stand at a computer workstation for extended periods of time. Ability to hear and speak. The employee must frequently lift up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Regular and prompt attendance on site is required. Must be available to respond on evenings and weekends, especially during peak season. Reliable smell as it relates to chemical, fire, environmental, and allergen hazards. Ability to pass a criminal background check upon hire and annually. Ability to pass drug screens; this position is considered both safety and security sensitive. Reliable transportation. Ability to work in a facility that processes high-risk and common allergens, such as peanuts and tree nuts. Work Environment and Conditions Works in a food manufacturing environment where the plant is in operations 1-2 shifts per day. Climate controlled environment with occasional exposure to high heat & humidity (105ºF – 110ºF) in kitchen and tank room areas. Proper use of PPE required in some areas. The above statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the principle functions of the job described and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all of the work requirements that may be inherent in the position. All job descriptions are subject to change at any time at Company discretion. This job description does not constitute an employment contract between the employer and the employee. If an employee’s ability to perform an essential function of the job is affected by disability, the employee has the right to request reasonable accommodation.