Director, Global Cigar Leaf Procurement **Location** North Carolina **Role Type** Permanent **WHO WE ARE** ITG Brands is the third-largest tobacco company in the USA with offerings of some of the most well-known cigarette, cigar, and e-vapor brands. As a member of the globally recognized Imperial Brands PLC family, we are a forward-thinking partner with operational integrity. ITG Brands is committed to putting consumers at the center of what we do, while creating an innovative workplace that is diverse and inclusive. This empowers us to bring our true selves to work, to collaborate more effectively through showing our passion and being confident to bring new ideas to the table. We are not afraid to seize opportunities and make things happen – both individually and collaboratively. We strive to exceed expectations by seeing things differently and doing things differently. This truly is a place where we all share a challenger mindset which drives our success. **What You Will Do** - JOB SUMMARY Responsible for conceptualizing, developing, implementing Global Procurement of Cigar Leaf. Focus on global strategic, tactical opportunity identification leading to development/execution of Global Cigar Procurement Strategy to ensure a sustainable supply of leaf, in production of machine-made cigars. Support Head of Leaf Procurement & Sustainability to innovate Leaf Procurement strategic sourcing for the cigar category. - WHAT YOU WILL DO Duties and Responsibilities: **Global Cigar Procurement Strategy** + Conceptualize, develop, implement a comprehensive global cigar procurement strategy for raw tobacco that aligns with company’s long-term objectives, annual targets + Develop medium/long term strategic, tactical programs associated with key performance areas + Monitor global tobacco market trends, assess risks, and adjust strategies to ensure a stable, ethical, sustainable supply chain + Drive the integration, alignment of MMC with FMC RoW + Review current negotiation practices and supply agreements, to propose improvements aligned with global procurement policies/procedures + Drive continuous improvement of procurement processes to enhance efficiency/ effectiveness to reduce costs, ensure quality standards are achieved + Develop, manage the procurement budget for raw tobacco, ensuring cost-effectiveness, financial efficiency **Supplier Management** + Identify, evaluate, establish long-term partnerships with key tobacco suppliers + Drive, deliver on the Imperial Brands ethics, overall strategies with respect to suppliers + Lead negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable terms, pricing, delivery schedules both over the short and long term + Monitor supplier performance, compliance, risk management, ensuring adherence to agreed standards, protocols + Maintain supplier performance management system to monitor, evaluate supplier + Identify, implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality, supply + Provide regular visibility, updates of cigar supply chain + Track, report on key cost drivers, providing actionable insights **Team Leadership** + Lead, mentor, develop Cigar Procurement Team, providing guidance, support to ensure high performance, professional growth + Review, structure team to ensure that skills/structure are responsive to global environment + Set clear objectives, performance expectations for team, reviewing progress, providing feedback, including direct guidance, intervention + Develop collaborative relationships with team, external role players, Cross-Functional Collaboration + Collaborate with Leaf Blending, Leaf Operations, Quality Assurance Teams to ensure all raw tobacco meets company’s quality standards/regulatory requirements + Oversee the implementation of quality control measures throughout procurement + Ensure compliance with all relevant local/international regulations related to tobacco + Collaborate with Leaf Sustainability to ensure ESG standards are met in cigar supply + Support Procurement Capabilities Team to drive initiatives that promote sustainable, responsible sourcing practices within cigar supply chain **Risk Management** + Regularly review, update risk management strategies in line with changing market + Develop contingency plans to address disruptions in supply chain, by identifying, risks related to raw tobacco supply, including geopolitical, environmental, market **Qualifications** - REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education and Experience: + Bachelor’s degree in Business, Agronomy or related field of study + 10+ years of relevant work experience to include: + Tobacco procurement experience + Must be 21 years of age or older Knowledge of: + Tobacco manufacturing and associated specialist heated tobacco equipment + Lean/Six Sigma manufacturing processes + Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and Teams Skilled in: + English verbal and written communication (multilingual, a plus) + Program/project management + Leadership, motivation, coaching and team development + Stakeholder management + Problem/situation analysis + Effective time and task management + Multitasking capabilities + Flexibility and adaptability Ability to: + Plan, organize, prioritize, and reconcile conflicting demands + Challenge directives that impact financial and operational performance + Function, adapt, and succeed in a rapidly changing environment + Travel domestically and internationally - PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: **Work Environment and Physical Demand** + Requires light physical effort. Occasionally lifts or moves moderate to heavy weight objects (10-50 lbs.). + Walks, sits, or stands for prolonged periods. + Use of manual dexterity and fine motor skills + Requires prolonged machine operation including computer and keyboard equipment. **What We Offer** • Competitive benefits package that includes medical/dental/vision/life insurance/disability plans • Dollar for dollar 401k match up to 6% and 5% annual company contribution • 15 Company-paid holidays • Generous paid time off • Employee recognition and discount programs • Education assistance • Employee referral bonus program • Hybrid workplace – remote / in office • Summer hours • Casual dress policy Monday through Friday **Applicant Information** This job description describes the essential functions of the job at the time the job description was created, but it is not an exhaustive list of tasks, duties and responsibilities. In addition, the position may evolve or change over time and such changes may not be reflected in the job description until it is next updated. **Everyone Belongs** **ITG Brands and ITG Cigars provides equal employment opportunities.** All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. If you have a concern about discrimination in the application or hiring process or you need an accommodation based on religion, disability or pregnancy in the application or hiring process, please contact us at TalentAcquisition@itgbrands.com . **SHARE THIS JOB** The posting for the position for which you are applying highlights key aspects of the position only. It is not a complete description of the position. All candidates must consent to an independent investigation of their background, references, past employment, education, criminal record, and drug screening. Results of such background checks will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, giving consideration to the nature of the information reported and its relevance to the specific job being sought before a decision is made using this information. ITG Brands and ITG Cigars provides equal employment opportunities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. If you have a concern about discrimination in the application or hiring process or you need an accommodation based on religion, disability or pregnancy in the application or hiring process, please contact us atTalentAcquisition@itgbrands.com (Talen%74Acquisition%40%69t%67b%72ands.%63om) . 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