Director of Strategic Sourcing
Position Overview:
The Director of Strategic Sourcing will lead the development and execution of sourcing strategies across all categories within the food and beverage supply chain. This role is responsible for driving cost optimization, supplier innovation, risk mitigation, and sustainability initiatives while ensuring quality and compliance standards are met. The ideal candidate will have deep industry knowledge, strong negotiation skills, and experience managing complex supplier relationships globally.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership:
- Develop and implement sourcing strategies aligned with business objectives for raw materials, packaging, ingredients, and indirect spend.
- Drive long-term category plans to deliver cost savings, quality improvements, and innovation.
Supplier Management:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure reliability, quality, and continuous improvement.
- Negotiate contracts, pricing, and service agreements to optimize value and mitigate risk.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Partner with R&D, Operations, Quality Assurance, and Finance to align sourcing strategies with product development and operational goals.
- Support new product launches by ensuring timely and cost-effective sourcing of materials.
Risk & Compliance:
- Monitor market trends, commodity pricing, and geopolitical risks to proactively manage supply chain disruptions.
- Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, sustainability standards, and ethical sourcing practices.
Performance Management:
- Establish KPIs for cost savings, supplier performance, and sourcing efficiency.
- Report progress to senior leadership and recommend strategic adjustments as needed.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or related field; MBA preferred.
- 10+ years of experience in strategic sourcing or procurement within the food and beverage industry.
- Proven track record of delivering cost savings and managing global supplier networks.
- Strong negotiation, analytical, and leadership skills.
- Knowledge of food safety regulations, sustainability practices, and commodity markets.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with ERP systems and procurement tools.
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
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.
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