Ingredients Manager

When you hear the name Continental Mills, it might not register at first, but what if we asked if you’d ever tried Krusteaz Pancake mix? If you answered yes, now you know part of the story!

Own strategic plan, execution, and data analysis for assigned commodities/ingredients. Manage supplier relationships, negotiate and implement the detailed quantitative models which determine Cost of Goods. Responsible for developing strategies to capitalize on ingredient price fluctuations for multiple inputs. Develop, maintain and refine economic forecasting and risk management programs related to multiple ingredient categories that include fruits, nuts, phosphates, spices, starches, gums, emulsifiers, specialty grains, flavors, colors, inserts and inclusions. Advise business units on future risks/opportunities and actions to be taken regarding market factors affecting their categories. The Manager will be responsible and accountable for leading their team to create unique sourcing strategies that deliver value through quality, service improvements, competitive market analysis, cost savings, and product innovation for each business unit.

* Provide guidance to category managers and suppliers on timing for ingredient coverage and subsequent risk. * Build and assess financial impact on all ingredient categories throughout the year as they relate to PPV’s. * Report ingredient price risks to leadership team. Measure and report financial impact via quarterly presentations. * Manage and support ingredient team members on the concept of ingredient price fluctuations and financial impact. * Monitor ingredient market exposure, and take a proactive approach on avoiding or minimizing risk. * Develop and manage processes with timely and accurate communication to the organization when there is a price risk exposure and explain how it will be managed. * Partner with suppliers to determine/implement the best strategy for spot ingredient purchases and/or contracts as well as to understand full supply chain. * Utilize expertise to facilitate strategic relationships with suppliers and ensure competitive market pricing is achieved. * Execute and implement strategic timing to take long-term vs. short-term positions. Publish financial risks and make positive recommendations. * Validate cost changes/increases received from suppliers and negotiate the most accurate pricing based on competitive market factors. * Interface with various business units and finance to lock in competitive ingredient costs while protecting margins. * Monitors market changes and uses data to proactively manage the timing and execution of ingredient price coverage. * Manages vendor negotiation process, reviews and analyzes supplier proposals, facilitates an appropriate procurement recommendation within a defined scope of authority. * Advise business units on future risks/opportunities and actions to be taken regarding factors affecting their categories. * Provide market updates and “breaking news” to broader audience as it relates to CM business * Continue to look for ways to drive costs out of the supply chain utilizing vendors, R&D and manufacturing resources. * Deep knowledge of the supply chain and market drivers of key ingredient suppliers. Frequent visits/interface. * Participates in the departmental spend plan and develops the annual ingredient budget. * Performs other duties as assigned.

**Essential Functions, Skills and Attributes:** **Leadership** * Able to own ingredient purchasing business with full responsibility for suppliers, data, market knowledge and impact on internal efforts/projects * Ability to work with and influence people in a professional and positive manner. * Creates an environment that encourages teamwork and collaboration, both internally and externally. * Takes the lead on ingredient related issues and implements solutions to solve root cause problems. * Works collaboratively with key stakeholders on major projects and initiatives. **Coaching, Motivating, and Mentoring** * Sets expectations, tracks results, and manages accountability * Effective collaborator with peers, mentor, and role model * Is confident to give peers space and time to learn and to make mistakes. * Relationship building skills and ability to coach and mentor team members. **Technical Capability** * Background in managing ingredients with the ability to grasp the commercial parameters of legal documents. * Strong desktop applications skills such as Excel and Word including the development and maintenance of moderately complex spreadsheets. Ability to read and comprehend ingredient format and specifications. * Proactive project and time management skills with the ability to prioritize and operate as a self-starter in a constantly changing environment. * Strong data analysis skills to support buying decisions as well as provide strategic input to risks/opportunities. **Communications** * Strong written, oral, facilitation and high level negotiation skills * Excellent listener with empathy to peer concerns. * Conveys information in understandable terms at all levels of the organization **Personal and Social Competence** * Creative and change-oriented coupled with high integrity and honesty, promoting trust in all actions * High energy, assertive and a self-starter * Ability to travel up to 40% of the time and work a flexible work schedule. **Minimum Education and Experience:** * Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Food Science, Finance or equivalent combination of education and experience. * 5+ years experience in sourcing food ingredients or relevant supply chain discipline * Ten year’s progressive work experience with consumer goods or the food industry. Prior experience at, or knowledge of ingredient vendors, the ingredient manufacturing processes and capabilities is preferred.