INGREDIENT SOURCING MANAGER

Are you ready to join a five-time US Best Managed Company award-winner?! KENT® Corporation has an incredible NEW opportunity to join our thriving team as an Ingredient Sourcing Manager based in the heart of Iowa. If you have purchasing experience and a strong knowledge of the marketplace and micro feed ingredients, we want to hear from you!  

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Leadership 

• Works with Senior Commodity Manager to develop and implement trading and risk management strategies and policy
• Encourages growth, assists in coaching/teaching and personnel development of team members
• Leads the development of departmental goals and objectives and project teams to meet organizational, SBU, and department organizational objectives
• Leads the development of effective internal and external customer relationships
• Work with leadership in various business units to create cohesive teamwork and continual trust

Planning 

• Leads the development of strategic and operational responsibility for the group
• Responsible for establishing  and implementing long-term commodities sourcing and supply strategy and financial plan
• Collaborate with internal feed formulators and plant managers to provide lowest cost options

Ingredient Supply Chain Management 

• Develops and manages supplier relationships to ensure uninterrupted supply, and to contribute new ideas, reduce costs and improve  quality
• Assist in maintaining sufficient inventory levels
• Handles high-level negotiations, targeting bottom line impact  through cost reductions  to the business and meeting  targets
• Cultivate new sources of ingredients and work with suppliers to get them approved
• Responsible for the total performance management of suppliers, this includes but not limited to cost, quality, and performance  Monitors the cost, schedule and performance aspects of the commodities procurement operations. Collaborates  with key stakeholders  in resolving  problems
• Responsible for supplier contracts  to ensure that the required  legal terms, conditions  and cost/service  components  are in place to meet Business Unit requirements and applicable laws

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree required (preferred in Business Administration, Economics, or equivalent related discipline)

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:

• 7 or more years of experience in purchasing 
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the marketplace and the micro feed ingredients that are purchased including sourcing vitamins and minerals.
• Able to align commodities decisions with strategic goals for the Corporation
• Ability to write and interpret business reports, documents and information
• Highly effective communication, and ability to understand impact to others on complex business needs
• Ability to engage, communication and influence all stakeholders (internal and external) and establish trust and credibility with business unit leaders and other functional stakeholders
• Analytical and problem solving skills and ability to act independently
• Positive attitude and that ability to work with a sense of urgency in fast paced, autonomous environment

TRAVEL: 

• 30% domestic and international travel is required