Reporting to the VP, US Procurement, this role will lead strategic sourcing activities of apples in Williamson, NY, as well as operations related to receiving and handling the apples until they enter the transformation process in the factory.

Other Responsibilities:

Develop Procurement strategy for the category by understanding markets, ensuring long-term supply, optimizing delivered costs, and building positive grower relations. Strategically source apples for Keurig Dr Pepper from ~100 local apple growers.  Responsible for grower relations, procurement of raw apples, inspection and quality standards, storage and movement.  Leads the handling team, consisting of quality and receiving clerks, forklifts and truck drivers that deliver the apples to the manufacturing facility.  Annual spend is ~ $60MM.   

Leadership

Effectively lead the team to procure fruit for KDP’s Motts Applesauce brand in the most cost-effective and optimized manner, driving high levels of employee engagementProvide ongoing coaching, feedback, mentoring, and evaluation to drive a high-performing team that delivers results and exceeds expectations.Lead flexible staffing to meet labor requirements during apple harvest or other peak demand times.

Strategic Sourcing Management

Develop sourcing strategies to procure apples to support production requirements for our Motts Applesauce BrandEnsure long-term supply continuity and grower relations for ~100 apple grower and local packing houses.Secure organic supply for the KDP Organic Programs – understand the organic market, growing practices, and certifications needed Negotiate and secure storage and freight contracts on an annual basisComplete legal contracting & contract administration duties as requiredPrepare the Annual Operating Plan (AOP), manage the apple finance models, and the monthly PPV root cause analysis and resolutionOwn apple budget, which includes the apple cost, and the buying expense related to procuring applesConduct industry deep dive analysis to provide proactive insight to cross-functional teams and leadership.Lead and drive “Make vs. Buy” analysis to optimize costs and efficienciesLead regular meetings with cross functional project team for adherence to savings deliverables and timing.

Grower Programs

Maintain positive grower relations (100+ growers)Effectively communicate with growers via meetings, farm visits, and email communicationsCreate and manage sustainability programs to ensure we are responsibly sourcing apples and ensuring the success of our apple growers in the community.Attend and participate in industry meetingsConduct annual crop estimates and farm visits with growers prior to harvestDetermine and understand costs of production for growersSeek ways to improve grower’s yields and lower their costsAssist with Cornell Research Partnership

Operations

Manage the apple receiving teams to ensure a smooth and efficient operation on a year-round basisEnsure the safety and manage the productivity of ~30 hourly employeesEnsure team is providing daily apple order to storage operations for year-round productionPartner with Operations team to reduce apple waste and increase yieldPartner with our corporate fleet to ensure forklift and trucks are working properly and are compliantManage relationship with 3rd Party Inspection site Support capital project plans as necessary

Food Safety

Responsible for inspection of apples, both at harvest as well as apples coming back from storageManage and ensure control of Pesticide and Heavy Metal Management ProgramPartner with Quality team to ensure compliance with Food Safety Programs as it relates to apples Total Rewards Salary Range: $123,300 - $160,000 / year.Actual placement within the compensation range may vary depending on experience, skills, and other factorsBenefits, subject to election and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Paid Time Off (including paid parental leave, vacation, and sick time), 401k with company match, Tuition Reimbursement, and Mileage ReimbursementAnnual bonus based on performance and eligibility Requirements Bachelor’s Degree Required5-10 years leadership experience in agricultural product procurement and/or grower relations and managementAbility to drive performance through KDP ValuesExperience in leading groups and influencing others to drive results Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate to a wide variety of internal and external audiences Strong analytical and financial skills to support procurement operations and strategiesProven leadership to drive productivity through rapid continuous improvementStrong and proven work ethic as a self-starter (minimal day-to-day manager input)Strong focus, prioritization, and self-direction ability Proficient in Microsoft Office software, experience with SAP preferred Company Overview

Keurig Dr Pepper (NASDAQ: KDP) is a leading beverage company in North America, with a portfolio of more than 125 owned, licensed and partners brands and powerful distribution capabilities to provide a beverage for every need, anytime, anywhere. We operate with a differentiated business model and world-class brand portfolio, powered by a talented and engaged team that is anchored in our values. We work with big, exciting beverage brands and the #1 single-serve coffee brewing system in North America at KDP, and we have fun doing it! 
 
Together, we have built a leading beverage company in North America offering hot and cold beverages together at scale. Whatever your area of expertise, at KDP you can be a part of a team that’s proud of its brands, partnerships, innovation, and growth. Will you join us? 
 
We strive to be an employer of choice, providing a culture and opportunities that empower our team of ~28,000 employees to grow and develop.  We offer robust benefits to support your health and wellness as well as your personal and financial well-being. We also provide employee programs designed to enhance your professional growth and development, while ensuring you feel valued, inspired and appreciated at work.
 
Keurig Dr Pepper is an equal opportunity employer and affirmatively seeks diversity in its workforce. Keurig Dr Pepper recruits qualified applicants and advances in employment its employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability or association with a person with a disability, medical condition, genetic information, ethnic or national origin, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.