Manager, Indirect Procurement

KeHE Distributors, LLC; Naperville (IL); On-site; USD 97,350 - 142,659; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental

Vision

FSA/HSA

Life insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Sick time

Disability (STD/LTD)

ESOP

Holiday pay

Job summary

KeHE Distributors, LLC is seeking a Manager, Indirect Procurement in Naperville, IL to lead the source-to-pay lifecycle for categories like MRO, facilities, MHE, transportation, and utilities. You’ll drive value through strategic sourcing, contract negotiations, and supplier performance management.

The role requires 3–5 years of indirect procurement experience, strong stakeholder collaboration, and expertise in Ariba or similar systems.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in Business, Supply Chain, Finance or related field.
• 3–5 years of indirect procurement strategy experience.
• Proven negotiation experience with suppliers for cost savings and favorable terms.
• Experience with procure-to-pay and supplier relationship management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute indirect procurement strategies across spend categories.
• Lead RFx processes and supplier onboarding.
• Conduct cost/spend analyses to identify savings opportunities.
• Lead contract negotiations to secure cost savings and favorable terms.
• Improve procurement policies and tools for efficiency.
• Oversee procure-to-pay to ensure policy compliance.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align with business needs.
• Manage supplier performance and risk; conduct business reviews.
• Build strategic supplier relationships and track KPIs.
• Conduct market research on industry trends and best practices.
• Promote best-in-class procurement practices via systems and processes.
• Travel estimated at <15%.

Skills

Communication

Category management

Strategic sourcing

Contract management

Supplier risk management

Multi-tasking

Stakeholder collaboration

Advanced MS Office

Procurement software (Ariba)

Procurement software (Coupa)

Education

BA/BS in Business or related field

Supply Chain/Finance focus

Tools

SAP Ariba

Coupa

Job description

Why Work for KeHE?

• Full-time
• Pay Range: $97,350.00/Yr. - $142,659.00/Yr.
• Shift Days: , Shift Time:
• Benefits on Day 1
  • Health/Rx
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Flexible and health spending accounts (FSA/HSA)
  • Supplemental life insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Paid time off
  • Paid sick time
  • Short term & long term disability coverage (STD/LTD)
  • Employee stock ownership (ESOP)
  • Holiday pay for company designated holidays

Overview

At KeHE, we’re obsessed with creating solutions, unboxing potential, and serving others – and it all starts with you. As an employee-owned distributor of natural and organic, specialty, and fresh products, we’re committed to making a positive impact and scaling our success together. With a culture that fosters development and opportunity, you’ll be embarking on a career that’s moving forward. When you join KeHE, you’re becoming part of a team that is a force for good.

Primary Responsibilities

The Manager, Indirect Procurement will be responsible for proactively managing the indirect procurement lifecycle (source-to-pay) for supply chain spend categories (i.e., MRO, facility supplies, MHE, transportation, utilities and professional services). This role will serve as a subject matter expert in sourcing, negotiating and managing suppliers within the assigned areas of spend to drive value and efficiency, impacting the company’s bottom line. As with all positions at KeHE Distributors, we expect that all actions will be consistent with KeHE’s Mission, Vision, and Values.

Essential Functions

DUTIES, TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and execute indirect procurement strategies, best practices and initiatives that align with the company and team’s goals in cost savings, mitigate risks and ensure compliance.
• Spearhead sourcing methodologies (RFx) and supplier selection/onboarding.
• Conduct cost/spend analysis to evaluate value and identify savings opportunities to recommend and help make informed decisions on purchases.
• Lead contract negotiations with suppliers to secure cost saving/avoidance, favorable terms and other operational gains.
• Assess and identify opportunities for continuous improvement and optimization of indirect procurement policies, processes and tools to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
• Oversee the procure to pay process from requisition to pay to ensure compliance with company policies.
• Partner up and collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment with the business needs/requirements and execution of defined strategies.
• Serve as an escalation point for supplier performance issues and help achieve timely and satisfactory resolution.
• Build strategic relationships with supplier partners and manage their performance and risk including business reviews and tracking KPIs to ensure continuous improvement in cost, quality and delivery.
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify applicable industry trends and best practices, create benchmarks and opportunities with prospective suppliers.
• Promote best in class procurement practices through consistent use of systems, tools and adherence to processes.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Estimated travel: <15%

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent communication skills to interface and influence stakeholders (both internal and external) of all levels in order to develop strong partnerships built on trust.
• Deep understanding of category management, strategic sourcing, contracts, and supplier risk/relationship management practices.
• Proven ability to multi-task and prioritize assignments to ensure timely performance and completion.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment pivoting between the two as needed.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail in evaluating supplier terms, benchmarking data and identifying opportunities.
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat.
• Proficient in procurement and e-signature software. Experience in SAP Ariba strongly preferred.

Minimum Requirements, Qualifications, Additional Skills, Aptitude

• BA/BS in Business, Supply Chain, Finance or related field. Advanced degrees (Master’s) and/or professional certifications (CPSM, CPP, CPSD) a plus.
• 3-5 years of progressive work experience in developing and applying indirect procurement strategies and best practices in sourcing, contracting, procure-to-pay and supplier relationship management.
• Proven track record of successful negotiations with suppliers resulting in cost savings and other favorable terms.
• Experience in managing and leading projects involving cross-functional teams and leadership.
• Experience in driving and managing indirect procurement activities using procurement software such as Ariba, Coupa, etc.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Equal Employer Opportunity Statement

KeHE Distributors provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion or faith, sex, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, mental or physical disability or medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training as well as the administration of all Human Resources and Talent Acquisition processes.