Sr. Commodity Leader-Packaging

Company: Mizkan America
Location: Mount Prospect
Posted on: April 17, 2024

Job Description:

Based in Mount Prospect, IL, Mizkan America is a subsidiary of the Mizkan Group, a global, family-owned company that has been Bringing Flavor to Life--- for more than 220 years. As one of the leading makers of vinegars, condiments and sauces in the United States, Mizkan America maintains 12 manufacturing facilities that serve the retail, foodservice, specialty-Asian and food-ingredient trade channels. We are committed to following our two core principles: continuously challenging the status quo and delivering only the finest products for our customers.--Our leadership seeks out, embraces and implements ideas for improvement from all of its employees. Transparency and accountability are two key factors that drive our company's overall management approach.We are looking for people who are seeking to deliver their best so that we can deliver ours. Above all, we're dedicated to maximizing the potential of our greatest assets-our team members. That's reflected in our ongoing commitment to recruit, develop, reward and retain our talented, multicultural workforce. We hope to see you as part of our team's future success!----COMMENTS:-- This job description reflects assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.--Summary:The Senior Commodity Leader, Packaging is responsible for developing and executing procurement strategies for large complex spend categories. They will be required to manage a supply base within their assigned categories and to support various Business Units and Plants on productivity, supply chain and product development initiatives. This person will be responsible for managing existing suppliers including negotiating commercial terms, drive and influence supplier performance/behavior and resolve any outstanding issues. In addition, they will be required to identify and onboard any new Suppliers as business needs dictate. The Senior Commodity Leader will be accountable for identifying and implementing ROI, working capital and product development initiatives. They will be required to work cross functionally to influence leaders and other internal customers to help drive and execute broad business decisions. This individual will be held accountable for a higher level of subject matter expertise, leadership, and contribution to the development of an end-to-end supply chain. This person will assist in mentoring procurement staff in procurement methodologies, tools, and negotiations. In addition, they will be expected to incorporate best practice purchasing processes and tools to develop category strategies and supplier development plans. --ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Procurement Strategy and Commercial ManagementDevelop, execute, and oversee procurement strategies for multiple complex Commodities, new technologies, and new product development initiatives. Responsible for all Commercial activities within assigned Commodities including but not limited to supplier identification, assessment and relationship management, supplier rationalization, commodity risk assessments, cost savings initiatives, new product development support, commodity market updates, annual commodity budgeting.Direct and influence the purchasing of all assigned commodities to align with procurement strategies striving to purchase them at the lowest possible overall cost, consistent with quality and delivery expectations.Responsible for managing all commercial activities with designated suppliers including but not limited to the following: contract management, material qualification, management of RFP process, negotiation activities, cost savings identification, implementation, and tracking.Provide decision-making on issues regarding sourcing, negotiating, and contracting for procurement projects.Ensure that all sourcing, negotiating, and contracting is completed with the highest level of integrity.--Supply Chain OptimizationDirect the development of key suppliers for long term relationships of assigned commodities.Create and implement supplier development plans.Conduct value engineering/analysis of assigned commodities. Identify and support supply chain initiatives, such as lead time reduction, inventory reduction, service level improvements, etc.--SustainabilityStay informed about sustainability trends and market updates related to packaging commodities, integrating this knowledge into procurement strategies.Collaborate with suppliers to identify and implement strategies for reducing the carbon footprint associated with packaging materials and transportation.--Project ManagementLead and participate in cross-functional teams to establish early supplier involvement to achieve performance goals, support project timelines, and manage product costs.Provide sourcing guidance, contract management and support on major sourcing and supply chain projects.Collaborate with Product Management, R&D and Operations to ensure new product development projects launch on time and monitor suppliers' commitments to ensure there are no delays.----Processes and ProceduresSupport purchasing process improvement initiatives as designated by the Senior Director of Procurement.Ensure adherence to sourcing and purchasing procedures.Provide internal customers with answers to sourcing and purchasing process inquiries.May be asked to guide Buyers on processes and procedures, provide advice on best practice approaches and providing training as needed.--EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor's degree in supply chain, Operations, business administration or a related field is required.5-7 years' experience in supply chain/procurement in a multi-plant, multi-segment manufacturing industry.Experience in either a large, branded consumer packaged goods company, or a more entrepreneurial and fast-paced middle market company. Experience with strategic sourcing, total cost, including total cost of ownership, life-cycle costs, scenario planning and risk management of packaging commodities, with a strong preference for plastics and corrugate experience.Exceptional negotiating abilities.Project Management skills, including the ability to organize and manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines. Strong organizational, planning, problem-solving, and analytical skillsExcellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skillsVersatile, flexible, and a willing to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm. High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is essential. Knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics 365 is desirable.Knowledge of Coupa is desirable.Ability to travel up to 20% domestically. ------#LI-KD1----

Keywords: Mizkan America, Des Plaines , Sr. Commodity Leader-Packaging, Accounting, Auditing , Mount Prospect, Illinois