Summary of position:

The Executive Director of Procurement (EDP) is responsible for planning, organizing, and supervising the comprehensive procurement functions for Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative (SMBSC) and its affiliate companies.  The EDP manages a department with an estimated expenditure base of $175.0 to $250.0 million per year for materials and/or services to support the company’s procurement programs and operational needs. The EDP helps SMBSC reach its mission by (1) understanding and driving SMBSC procurement to world class standards; (2) increasing spend led and supported by procurement, including by proactively initiating procurement activities with business partners; (3) building more robust procurement  reporting; (4) negotiating contracts and formulating policies with vendors, suppliers, and business partners; (5) directing inventory management and procurement to meet operational needs; and (6) assisting on special projects.

Essential Functions:

 Inventory and Procurement Management

Develops, monitors, implements, and evaluates strategies in alignment with strategic initiatives to provide a clear sense of direction and focus across procurement functions. Administers bidding process and contracts for vendor performance and compliance to secure items and/or services within budget and in compliance with regulatory requirements. Research contracts, leases, suppliers, equipment and regulations, including the evaluation of new products for the purpose of analyzing information to determine product and/or service need and availability. Acts as a liaison with vendors, suppliers, and business partners to create and sustain a competitive advantage to leverage spending and technologies and manage expenses. Manages material flow to ensure inventory is maintained at the optimum level to support operational needs. Maintains record of contracts, leases, insurance certificates, goods ordered, and goods received. Reviews documentation of storeroom, purchasing, and chemical activities to ensure compliance; writes, implements, and reviews Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), programs, and specifications; implements protocol. Procures equipment needed in crisis and shut down situations. Assists the Director of Supply Chain with planning, scheduling, and procuring inbound raw materials. Analyzes the financial impact of proposed inventory changes, such as product volumes, product types, suppliers, vendors, and business partners to determine impact on the Company; explains forecasting to the management team for decision-making purposes; communicates analysis and works with suppliers, vendors, and business partners to minimize company expenses. Help with audits as needed. Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, and participating in professional societies; sharing relevant information to affected employees and suppliers, vendors, and business partners.

Employee Management

Coaches, develops, monitors, and evaluates Procurement Director, Procurement Supervisor(s), Buyer(s), Inventory Control Supervisor(s) and Procurement Specialist(s); assists with goal setting; and sets employment expectations through personal and employee accountability. Assists direct reports to coach, develop, and mentor team members, which includes providing resources to increase individual knowledge, conducting performance reviews, collaborating with employees to mitigate opportunities for improvement, and building employee development plans to assist employees in career progression.

Leadership

Offers leadership by strengthening internal communications with staff at all levels throughout the Company; creates and promotes a positive and supportive work environment that promotes housekeeping and safety. Supports/trains Company team members in the development of complete specifications for goods and services. Serves on leadership committees aimed at creating an Employer of Choice culture. Contributes to the formulation of annual operating and capital budgets for procurement activities; recommends and maintains budgeting allocation for needs based on SMBSC’s established financial guidelines and business planning process.

 Core Competencies and Skill Requirements:

Commitment to superior understanding of and commitment to safety, quality, and the environment: Works together to promote a zero-lost time workforce, 100% environmental compliance, and a commitment to uncompromising quality. Broad understanding of procurement, inventory, and accounting principles Knowledge of inventory control practices, itemization, and reporting Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods Ability to estimate quantities, supply and demand as well as determine costs, resources and materials needed to perform a work activity. Ability to maximize the value of key suppliers through strategic action plans. Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, commodities, and the analysis and reporting of financial data Demonstrated critical thinking skills. Ability to gather information by observing, receiving, and obtaining information from relevant sources. Ability to use scientific rules and methods to solve problems. Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. Ability to read, understand and interpret information and ideas presented through written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. Strong conflict management and resolution skills Ability to manage complaints, settle disputes, and resolve grievances and conflicts; negotiate with internal and external audiences. Proficient in Microsoft Excel Ability to create formulas, pivot tables, forecasts and graphs using Microsoft Excel Ability to develop, design, or create new forecasts, projections, and spreadsheets to determine costs, resources, and materials needed to document gains or losses for the company. Excellent written and oral communication skills Ability to develop constructive and collaborative working relationships with internal and external audiences and maintain these relationships over time to advance the overall public image of SMBSC Ability to communicate with a variety of audiences with diverse backgrounds. Elevated level of integrity Ability to maintain an elevated level of people skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations.

 Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Accounting, or Supply Chain Management Ten years of experience working in purchasing and inventory management Five years of experience managing employees a plus