Centralized Materials Purchasing Manager

Job Summary:

The Centralized Materials Purchasing Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing direct materials inventory levels across seven plant locations, leading a team of plant buyers. This role will ensure optimal stock levels by coordinating with plant buyers, analyzing demand patterns, and optimizing purchasing strategies to minimize costs while maintaining necessary inventory for smooth operations. The position will also develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs), manage the MRP dataset, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to align strategies and ensure seamless operations. This position requires expertise in inventory management, purchasing processes, and cross-functional collaboration. The Centralized Materials Purchasing Manager will be a key change agent in driving process optimization, standardization, and continuous improvement to enhance cash flow and support operational efficiency.

Essential Functions of the Job:

Inventory Management & Optimization:

• Oversee and manage inventory levels of inbound raw materials and packaging across seven plant locations.
• Optimize stock levels by proactively analyzing demand patterns and adjusting purchasing strategies accordingly.
• Ensure the efficient flow of materials to meet production schedules while minimizing carrying costs and inventory waste.
• Develop strategies to ensure a balance between maintaining sufficient inventory levels and minimizing excess stock.

Purchasing & Materials Planning:

• Work closely with individual facilities to understand specific inventory needs and purchasing requirements.
• Coordinate purchasing activities across facilities to leverage and optimize volume discounts and streamline vendor relationships.
• Optimize supplier relationships to ensure timely deliveries, competitive pricing, and high-quality standards.

Process Standardization & Improvements:

• Develop and implement standardized inventory and purchasing processes across all plant locations.
• Identify inefficiencies in current inventory management processes and lead initiatives to improve these systems.
• Work with the team to optimize purchasing activities, reduce waste, and enhance the efficiency of inbound material flows.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Develop and track KPIs related to inventory management, such as stock levels, inventory turnover rates, and order cycle times.
• Utilize KPIs to monitor the performance of inventory management processes and drive improvements across locations.
• Regularly report on inventory performance, cost savings, and areas for optimization to senior leadership.

Material Requirement Planning (MRP) Management:

• Manage and maintain the MRP dataset to ensure accurate, real-time data for inventory and material planning.
• Ensure data integrity across systems to support accurate purchasing decisions and inventory management.
• Collaborate with IT and cross-functional teams to improve system capabilities and ensure data accuracy.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Lead and develop a team of plant buyers to ensure consistent performance in inventory management and purchasing activities.
• Provide training, guidance, and support to foster continuous improvement and operational excellence within the team.
• Set clear performance expectations, monitor progress, and coach team members to develop skills in inventory and purchasing best practices.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with procurement, supply chain, operations, business management, commercialization, and finance teams to align inventory management strategies with business goals.
• Provide insights and recommendations on inventory management strategies, cost reduction opportunities, and process improvements.

Continuous Improvement & Change Management:

• Act as a change agent to drive continuous improvement within inventory management processes.
• Lead the development and execution of initiatives that standardize and optimize purchasing inventory management across all locations.
• Work with teams to identify and implement best practices, ensuring operational efficiency and alignment with business objectives.
• All other duties, as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage a team of 10-12 plant buyers.
• Provide coaching, training, and career development opportunities for the team.
• Establish performance expectations and drive accountability within the team.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration or related field and/or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of experience in inventory management or supply chain roles with increasing responsibility, preferably in a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated experience in leading a team and implementing standardized inventory process.

Preferred Qualifications:

• APICS or other supply chain certification preferred.
• Proven track record of driving cost reductions and inventory optimization
• Manufacturing environment knowledge or experience.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong understanding of demand planning, forecasting, scheduling and inventory control principles.
• Deep expertise in purchasing inventory management, including raw materials and packaging.
• Ability to interpret and analyze complex data sets to drive business decisions and experience implementing process improvements and standardized processes across multiple locations.
• Strong financial acumen and ability to balance inventory investment with working capital optimization.
• Expertise in supply chain analytics and reporting tools. Proficiency in inventory management software and data analysis tools (Oracle, Power BI, ASCP, etc.)
• Strong interpersonal, leadership and change management skills with the ability to influence and drive collaboration across multiple departments.
• Experience with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proficiency in inventory management software and data analysis tools.
• Understanding of supply chain logistics and purchasing best practices.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work with cross-functional teams.
• Understanding of supply chain logistics and best practices.
• Experience in procurement and vendor management.
• Knowledge of warehouse operations and inventory control procedures.

Additional Considerations:

• Travel Expectation: Travel is required to various SunOpta locations and for meetings or other job-related functions.
• This role will be based out of SunOpta's Corporate Office in Eden Prairie, MN.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

• Approximately 95% of work is performed in an office environment.5% of work may involve being in an agricultural or manufacturing environment.

Featured benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid Family leave
• Paid maternity leave
• 401(k) with Match
• Voluntary Life, Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital indemnity
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition assistance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.