Smalls is looking for a highly skilled and experienced Senior Procurement Manager to drive our efforts in sourcing raw proteins, meats, merchandise and packaging materials, including consumer-facing and direct-to-consumer (DTC) packaging. This role will be responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies to secure high-quality, sustainable, and cost-effective materials.
What You'll Do
Strategic Sourcing (Domestic & Global):
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Develop and implement sourcing strategies for all materials, ensuring alignment with company goals for quality, sustainability, and cost efficiency.
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Identify and evaluate potential suppliers, conducting thorough assessments of their capabilities, quality standards, and sustainability practices.
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Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms with suppliers to achieve optimal value while maintaining quality and supply chain resilience.
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Run RFPs as needed, to identify new vendors & keep cost optimized.
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Streamline Small’s global supply chain, ensuring the company has optimal procedures to get materials quickly & cost effectively through freight & customs.
Supplier Relationship Management:
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Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, fostering collaboration and ensuring consistent supply of high-quality ingredients, merchandise and packaging materials.
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Monitor supplier performance, including quality, delivery, and compliance with contractual agreements.
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Address and resolve any supplier-related issues promptly to minimize disruptions to production & fulfillment.
Market Analysis & Risk Management:
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Stay informed about global market trends, pricing fluctuations, and supply chain risks related to raw proteins, meats, merchandise and packaging materials.
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Proactively identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure continuity of supply.
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Conduct regular benchmarking and cost analysis to ensure competitive pricing and value.
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Analyze cost performance & projections monthly and report any variation risks to Finance.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
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Work closely with S&OP, R&D, Quality Assurance, Production, and Marketing teams to stay close to product launch timelines, understand ingredient and packaging requirements, and ensure alignment with product formulations, brand standards and production planning.
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Manage testing & execution of new materials, in collaboration with the Operations teams.
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Partner closely with the Finance team to manage budgets, forecasts, and cost-saving initiatives.
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Support new product development by sourcing innovative and high-quality ingredients and packaging materials.
Sustainability & Compliance:
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Collaborate with internal teams to ensure all sourced ingredients and packaging materials meet regulatory requirements and company standards for quality and safety.
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Drive initiatives to source sustainable and ethically produced raw proteins, merchandise and packaging materials, aligning with the company’s commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
What We’ll Love About You
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You have 8+ years experience leading procurement strategy and execution, ideally across complex or global categories.
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You excel at building strong & strategic supplier relationships.
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You have a deep understanding of global protein and meat markets, including pricing dynamics, seasonality, and supply risk.
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You understand global packaging & merchandise supply chains and have the ability to manage complex procurement processes.
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You have direct procurement experience with perishable products, including considerations around shelf life, food safety, and supply continuity.
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You thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment and are comfortable managing multiple competing priorities.
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You have strong analytical skills and can clearly present RFP outcomes, cost analyses, and sourcing strategies using G-Suite tools.
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You are a strong communicator who builds trust and influences decision-making across functions and at all levels of the organization.
What you’ll love about us:
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Mission-Driven Company: We love cats and we're here to make nine lives ten.
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People-Driven Company: We treat our people like people; we're committed to Smalls, and we work hard but also respect everyone’s lives outside of work.
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Data-Driven Culture: We love using data to guide decision-making where appropriate, but we also know when to move quickly and go with our gut.
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Competitive Salary: Make some $$$.
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Very Competitive Benefits: Fully paid Health, Vision, and Dental insurance. 4-day work week. Unlimited PTO.
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Fully Remote Office & Culture: Our team is spread across the US day to day, but we travel for department & company off-sites and retreats.
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Free Product: Free cat food every month.