Sr. Manager, Indirect Procurement - Facilities & MRO

Job Location: ​Chicago​

Chicago HQ (hybrid) 

Want to make an impact?

Reporting directly to the Sr. Director of Indirect Procurement, this role will be charged with developing and implementing procurement strategies that support our manufacturing and warehousing facilities.  Primary responsibilities include leading all procurement category management activities related to plant and warehouse MRO, temp labor, utilities, uniforms and building facilities requirements related to their maintenance, sanitation, safety, sustainability and security.  These categories have an annual spend of approximately $100MM for regular operational requirements.

 

The role is based in Chicago, Illinois and will require minimal travel outside the greater Chicago area (<10%).  The position involves some travel to facilities in the Chicago-to-Dekalb area as needed to support procurement requirements.  This position doesn’t have any direct reports.  Currently locations in the US are the primary focus with some collaboration with our Mexico facilities; however, more global requirements may be added over time as Ferrara continues its global expansion.

Ways you will make a difference

Category Leadership

• Responsible for all aspects of category management including developing the category strategies and executing sourcing events.  Conducts category spend analysis and supplier segmentation.  Conducts the RFI and RFP processes from requirements gathering to contracting and savings tracking.  
• Leads the process of supply market research, supplier search and due diligence, negotiations, supplier selection and contract strategy. Works with legal to finalize contracts. 
• Manages multiple sourcing projects and procurement requirements concurrently across the organization. 
• Develops a deep level of understanding of the global supply base.  Develops and leads the strategy and execution to drive cost, innovation, risk management and other value-added elements of supplier relationships including supplier diversity and sustainability.  

Driving Value to the Organization

• Achieves year-over-year benefit targets for the category developed with supervisor.
• Benefits can include savings, cost avoidance, payment term extension and continuous improvement efforts among others.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Manages and develops strategic supplier alliances with a select group of suppliers to assure a preferred status in the presentation of new opportunities, while creating an advantaged cost position for Ferrara.   
• Supports supplier relationship management activities as needed.

Senior Leadership Support

• Supports senior leadership team members including the Chief Manufacturing Officer and his direct reports.  Maintains a high level of professionalism while supporting the organization.  Demonstrates an understanding of business needs and requirements.  
• Works in partnership with key stakeholders to ensure their requirements are being met by contracted suppliers, contingency plans exist, and additional sourcing opportunities are presented.

Operational and Indirect Team Support

• Supports other category management activities as needed within the indirect procurement team including PO management activities.  
• Supports other indirect categories based on team needs.
• Supports the on-going initiatives to automate our req-to-pay processes.

Skills that will make you successful

• Knowledge of maintenance requirements within a manufacturing environment: have a base of knowledge related to maintenance products and services; have a desire to continually learn about evolving maintenance-related opportunities.
• Procurement knowledge:  Deep understanding of procurement category management, stakeholder management and negotiations
• Strong interpersonal skills: empathy, integrity, enthusiasm, collaborative, driving consensus
• Strong written and oral communication skills. Strong listening skills and ability to work with senior leaders – inside and outside of the organization - to understand their goals and objectives; share project objectives and progress in a clear concise manner.
• Strong analytical and presentation skills: have a strong ability to analyze significant amount of data and summarize findings or options for senior leadership
• Strategic thinking: able to “see around corners”, synthesize insights from disparate data sources, and present recommendations and alternatives.
• Desire to be a supportive and proactive business partner across the organization.

Experiences that will support your success

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least 7 years of experience in the procurement of manufacturing-related maintenance products and