Sourcing & Supply Chain Manager
Position Summary
The Sourcing & Supply Chain Manager will lead procurement, supplier management, and end‑to‑end supply chain operations for a fast‑paced beverage manufacturing environment. This role ensures uninterrupted production through strategic sourcing of ingredients, packaging, and indirect materials while optimizing cost, quality, service levels, and sustainability. The ideal candidate has strong supplier negotiation skills, deep industry knowledge, and experience in managing supply and demand for high‑volume, short shelf‑life products.
Key Responsibilities
Sourcing & Procurement
- Develop and execute sourcing strategies for raw ingredients (juices, flavors, sweeteners, concentrates), packaging (bottles, labels, closures, cartons), and production materials.
- Identify, qualify, and onboard suppliers that meet quality, cost, and compliance standards.
- Negotiate contracts, pricing, SLAs, and long‑term supply agreements.
- Perform cost modeling, should‑cost analysis, and benchmarking to reduce spend.
- Manage supplier audits, scorecards, and ongoing performance reviews.
- Monitor commodity markets and recommend risk‑mitigation strategies (hedging, multi‑sourcing, inventory buffers).
Supply Chain Planning
- Oversee demand planning, production planning, and inventory optimization to support production schedules.
- Collaborate with Sales & Marketing to forecast demand for new and existing SKUs.
- Maintain accurate MRP/ERP data, including lead times, MOQ, safety stock, and replenishment logic.
- Drive continuous improvements in inventory turns, working capital, and supply continuity.
Manufacturing & Operations Support
- Ensure timely supply of ingredients and materials to production facilities.
- Partner with Quality, R&D, and Operations on formulation changes, product launches, and supplier technical evaluations.
- Support new product development through early supplier engagement and cost feasibility studies.
- Troubleshoot daily supply issues and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Logistics & Distribution
- Optimize inbound logistics, freight, and warehousing strategies to reduce lead times and transportation costs.
- Collaborate with 3PLs, carriers, and warehouse teams to maintain service levels and reduce inefficiencies.
- Manage inventory across multiple manufacturing sites or co‑packers.
Compliance & Sustainability
- Ensure all suppliers comply with food safety, regulatory, and certifications (e.g., HACCP, SQF, GMP, FSMA).
- Drive sustainability initiatives in packaging, waste reduction, energy, and responsible sourcing.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, Engineering, or related field.
- 5+ years of experience in sourcing, procurement, or supply chain, preferably in beverage, CPG, or food manufacturing.
- Strong negotiation and vendor management experience.
- Knowledge of food & beverage regulatory requirements.
- Proficiency with MRP/ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite).
- Advanced Excel and data analytics skills.
- Strong communication, problem‑solving, and cross‑functional leadership abilities.
Preferred
- Experience with commodity markets related to sweeteners, fruits, or agricultural products.
- Background working with co‑packers or contract manufacturing.
- APICS/CPIM, CPSM, or Six Sigma certification.
- Experience in high‑growth or startup beverage environments.
Key Competencies
- Strategic sourcing & negotiation
- Supplier performance management
- Demand & inventory planning
- Analytical and financial acumen
- Project management
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Continuous improvement mindset
What Success Looks Like
- Reduced material and packaging costs without compromising quality.
- Highly reliable supplier network with low supply disruption.
- Optimized inventory and improved production continuity.
- Accelerated time‑to‑market for new products.
- Enhanced operational efficiency and cost savings across the supply chain.
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your resume and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organizations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business.
That's why we recommend registering your CV so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created.
Yes, we help with CV and interview preparation. From customised support on how to optimise your resume to interview preparation and compensation negotiations, we advocate for you throughout your next career move.