Supports the strategic sourcing of new and existing direct material (ingredients & packaging) to support the manufacturing of finished goods according to established procedures, practices, and policies. 

• Manages supplier accounts with professionalism and excellence, meeting expectations of Amy’s supplier management program and processes and effectively navigating issues.
• Proactively provides suppliers with timely information critical for supplying Amy’s, including release schedules, contract adjustments, payment issues, et cetera.
• Leads processes for qualifying and onboarding new suppliers and securing new ingredients and packaging for new products.
• Skillfully leads routine performance conversations with suppliers; gives clear feedback, develops corrective action plans, and ensures their timely and thorough completion,
• Work in partnership with cross-departmental partners to ensure material meets all spec requirements (e.g., food safety, quality, regulatory, sensory) and to address issues caused by material variances.
• Effectively navigates annual or multi-year contracting or RFQ process, including assessing the market, providing recommendations for contract allocation, and negotiating pricing and terms with suppliers.
• Uses strategic sourcing methodology to develop and implement medium to long term strategies for direct materials to reduce spend, increase supply assurance, improve food safety and quality, and deliver positive sustainability impacts.
• Partners with planning in developing mid to long-range purchasing plans.
• Stays current on and applies knowledge of emerging trends in the global supply chain to make decisions and mitigate risks.
• Leads on risk mitigation plans for high-risk materials, as directed by Amy’s risk management program and processes.
• Leads on resolution of short-term raw material shortage risks, including project managing the required support from cross-departmental partners including planning, supplier quality, regulatory, culinary, and manufacturing.
• Communicates timely and effectively with all levels (managers, supervisors, leads, etc.), relaying critical information.
• Identifies and executes annual projects to reduce/contain spend, increase supply assurance, improve food safety and quality, and deliver positive sustainability impacts.
• Other duties as assigned.

It is the responsibility of all employees to uphold the mission of the Amy’s Food Safety and Quality Policy.  This includes following all Food Safety and Sustainability programs and participating in all required training.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE         

6-8 years of experience in a purchasing or related supply chain role, ideally in the food industry and/or organics, or a combination of experience with a relevant Degree (Business, Agricultural Business, Economics, Supply Chain Management, Packaging Engineering).

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and write routine reports and correspondence and lead professional conversations and meetings with customers or coworkers.

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. 

MATHEMATICAL / COMPUTER SKILLS

Ability to analyze and solve basic math and algebraic problems.  Demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, in particular Excel, Word, and Power Point. Experience using ERP and Supply Chain Plan Systems preferred.

REASONING ABILITY and CREATIVITY:  Ability to creatively solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.  Excellent time management and organizational skills.  Proven ability to work in a fast-paced team environment essential, with a high degree of flexibility and tolerance to change.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORK ENVIRONMENT  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

TRAVEL

This job will require up to 20% travel.