Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Join a team that nourishes life from farm to table! Upstate Niagara Cooperative, proudly owned by 200+ local family farms, is one of America’s largest and most stable dairy cooperatives. Guided by farmer- and employee-led values, we process and market high-quality milk, yogurt, dips, sour cream, cottage cheese, and more under our trusted brands: Upstate Farms®, Bison®, Milk for Life®, and Intense Milk®. Here, you’ll support sustainable farming, strong communities, and the mission to deliver fresh, local dairy to families every day.

Reports To: Senior Vice President, Supply Chain

Job Summary: The Director of Procurement will lead and oversee all procurement activities at Upstate Niagara Cooperative, ensuring the timely, cost-effective, and high-quality acquisition of goods and services critical to our dairy manufacturing operations. This role will focus on developing strategic supplier relationships, optimizing procurement processes, and ensuring compliance with organizational policies and industry standards. The Director of Procurement will be a key contributor to achieving operational excellence and supporting the Cooperative’s mission of nourishing lives with high-quality dairy products.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Procurement Leadership

• Create and implement category management strategies to align with business goals, operational efficiency, and cost management for both direct and indirect material procurement.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with key suppliers, fostering collaboration and long-term partnerships that ensure a reliable supply chain.
• Conduct routine market analysis to identify market trends, risks, and opportunities while understanding regulatory changes, and emerging technologies relevant to dairy manufacturing to inform strategic decisions.

Operational Procurement Management

• Oversee the procurement of raw materials, packaging, and other goods critical to dairy production, ensuring alignment with quality standards and production schedules.
• Conduct Quarterly Business Reviews to monitor and manage supplier performance to contracted terms, and secure optimal value for the Cooperative.
• Collaborate with production, quality assurance, and logistics teams to address supply chain challenges and maintain seamless operations.

Cost Optimization and Efficiency

• Implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or operational reliability.
• Analyze and refine procurement processes to enhance efficiency and transparency.
• Leverage data analytics to track key performance indicators (KPIs) and improve decision-making.

Risk Management and Compliance

• Ensure procurement activities comply with internal policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Assess and mitigate risks related to supply chain disruptions, supplier dependencies, and market volatility.
• Establish contingency plans to address potential shortages or emergencies.

Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing procurement team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the department.
• Provide training and support to enhance team members’ skills and knowledge.
• Champion best practices in sourcing, contract negotiation, and supplier evaluation.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree or professional certification (e.g., CPSM, CSCP) is preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in procurement or supply chain management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in the dairy manufacturing or food production industry is highly desirable.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong understanding of procurement best practices, contract negotiation, and supplier management.
• Familiarity with the unique procurement needs of dairy manufacturing, including raw milk sourcing, packaging materials, and temperature-controlled logistics.
• Proven track record of delivering cost savings and ROI in the direct or indirect procurement environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a diverse team in a fast-paced environment.

Business Acumen

Activity - Targeted Proficiency Level

• Understanding of demand influences for product categories and customers - Proficient
• People development - Proficient
• Communication - Proficient

Soft Skills

Activity - Targeted Proficiency Level

• Negotiation - Expert
• Decision-making - Proficient
• Relationship Building, Teamwork, and Collaboration - Proficient

Technical / Analytical Skills

Activity - Targeted Proficiency Level

• Knowledge of ERP systems & capabilities- Ross preferred - Proficient
• Risk management - Proficient
• Inventory Management - Proficient
• Data analytics - Familiar With
• Problem solving - Expert
• Spreadsheet Management & Presentation - Proficient
• Data Driven insight generation - Familiar With

Other Requirements

• Willingness to travel as needed to visit suppliers, manufacturing plants, and other relevant locations.
• Commitment to Upstate Niagara Cooperative’s values of collaboration, integrity, excellence, and making a difference.

Pay:

$130,000-$200,000 per year*

*The salary range indicated in this posting represents the minimum and maximum of the salary range for this position. Actual salary will vary depending on factors including, but not limited to, budget available, prior experience, knowledge, skill and education as they relate to the position’s qualifications, in addition to internal equity. The posted salary range reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, wellness program, paid time away from work, and paid holidays.

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.

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