Strategic Sourcing Associate
Job Description
CORE HOURS
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Starting Pay
$62,000 - $67,000 (Annual)
UNIVERSAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Support the Mission of the Company by identifying and accomplishing team and individual performance goals that directly support the goals of the Company. Treat all co-workers, customers and suppliers with respect and in accordance with the Company's Core Values.
Follow all company GMPs and SOPs.
SUMMARY
The Strategic Sourcing Associate is responsible for all assigned materials at The Suter Company as well as administrative work to support the entire Strategic Sourcing Team to ensure accuracy in data and inventory management. This position will help to ensure we have all materials available and support strong supplier relationships.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Enter and maintain data in Company's inventory management spreadsheets:
Timely, consistent, accurate, and current:
Daily Receiving for all plants including updates of critical spreadsheets Inter-company material transfer communication
Purchase order creation/revisions for assigned materials as well as on behalf of the sourcing team as needed End of week review to verify orders received as expected
Enter and maintain data in Canopy and Outlook:
Purchase order creation/revisions for assigned materials as well as on behalf of the sourcing team as needed Vendor profiles/information Pricing updates Item maintenance including new item number creation/updating descriptions/version codes/pallet information, etc. Run daily reports to verify pending purchase orders are recorded on inbound calendars Run weekly open order report and communicate accordingly
Review all Purchase Order confirmations for accuracy on inbound/outbound calendar
Strategic Sourcing Management
Purchase assigned ingredients and packaging materials to optimize value and quality Working knowledge of all current ingredients and materials.
Negotiate optimal pricing, terms, minimum order quantities, lead times, and product quality. See ingredients/packaging in operation and how they are used at both facilities. Maximize inventory turns without running out of materials. Understand the features/benefits of our current ingredients and materials and how they relate to company Food Safety and Product Quality goals. Identify and lead process for approving potential alternative sources of supply for key ingredients and packaging. Coordinate handling of vendor complaint issues with QA. Understand and support cost management plan and engage current vendors in plan (partner relationship). Continually look for ways to reduce costs. Respond diligently to each price increase we receive in an effort to thwart it or delay it. Conduct price comparisons on a regular basis. Identify new ways to reduce costs, i.e. reduce minimum order quantities, implement consignment inventory agreements, freight reduction strategies, new materials, etc. Place supply orders for quality and production teams
Manage new and discontinued material process Cost sheet management
Invoice review and approval Order pallets based on inventory needs (white, Chep, PECO).
Physical Inventory Lead
Lead and coordinate monthly physical inventory process including but not limited to:
Proactive communication with cycle counter Schedule meetings Set up and maintain paperwork flow Monthly write off entry Variance report creation and analysis
Accept inventory Loss sheet report management
Develop and support procedures to improve inventory tracking
Supplier Documentation Management
Provide back up to the Strategic Sourcing Coordinator as needed:
Initiate and maintain internal communication regarding status of Risk Assessment on all items. Enter and maintain supplier contact information Lead and manage supplier documentation through documentation software to ensure SQF standards are met
Deep understanding of current ingredients and packaging materials and how they relate to company Food Safety and Product Quality goals.
Logistics
Provide back up to logistics specialist as needed
Freight procurement Freight scheduling Freight sourcing Ensure deliveries are on schedule Follow up on inbound shipments for following day
Additional Duties and Responsibilities:
Attend weekly meetings Complete weekly sensory evaluations Participate in Special Projects as assigned.
Pursue opportunities to add value to the Suter team (i.e. volunteer to assist with company events; volunteer to lead a project; become involved in a Lean team; submit a safety suggestion; write and/or audit an SOP; find ways to reduce waste; mentor/coach others; cross-train or learn a new task or skill.
Develop and maintain strong working relationships with all internal customers, suppliers, and freight service providers. Evaluate existing purchasing procedures with a lean manufacturing mindset and continuously search for new ways to reduce costs and improve efficiencies. General file management Requirements
EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree preferred. One to five years of supply chain experience.
KNOWLEDGE:
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams
SKILLS & ABILITIES :
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with people at all levels of the organization and external contacts. Ability to manage multiple priorities/meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Attentive to detail and strong organizational skills. Ability to shift from various projects and manage frequent interruptions. Negotiating and solid decision-making skills. Time Management - Ability to plan work hours to most efficiently and accurately complete job responsibilities. Reasoning - Comprehend several abstract and concrete variables; use logic or reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions or approaches to problems; consider the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. Mathematical - Add, subtract, multiply and divide whole numbers and perform arithmetic calculations involving fractions, decimals and percentages quickly and correctly. Communication- Ability to communicate information and ideas in a professional manner by speaking or writing so others will understand; ability to gather and organize information to write reports; evaluate technical data; effectively relay information to small groups of people both internally and externally. Technical - Ability to operate and control office equipment; ability to monitor equipment to make sure it is running properly. Perform day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining files, spreadsheets, records and processing paperwork. Professional - Communicating with people inside and outside the organization; representing the company to vendors, suppliers and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, telephone or e-mail.
Physical Effort - Sedentary work; exert a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly and up to 10 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
Vision - Far, near and mid-range vision, depth perception, color identification, and field of vision. Activity - Regularly required to talk, hear, perform repetitive motions, use finger dexterity; occasionally stand, walk, and reach with arms and hands.
ADDITIONAL BENEFICIAL, BUT NOT REQUIRED, SKILLS: None
THE SUTER COMPANY BENEFITS (including, but not limited to)
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Medical Dental Vision Life & Accident Insurance 401k Retirement Plan Paid Time Off Vacation Paid Holidays Wellness Programs
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND ADA STATEMENT
The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, temperature extremes and moderate noise.
This role description does not state that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as required.
Equal Opportunity Employer