Purchasing Manager

Sanderson Farms, Inc.; Flowood (MS); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayne-Sanderson Farms is seeking a Procurement professional to lead supplier relationships, implement purchasing strategies, and manage contracts and inventory across the Plant, Feed Mill, Hatchery and Truck Shop. The role emphasizes cost savings, ERP/MRP engagement, and SOP development.

Responsibilities include negotiating supplier contracts, supervising staff, and coordinating with management to meet cost goals while ensuring compliance and supply reliability in a fast-paced manufacturing

Qualifications

• Associate degree required; 3–5 years purchasing experience preferred in production settings.
• Bachelor’s in Material Management or related field is a plus; APICS certification is a plus.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and procurement processes is essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage supplier PO maintenance and support initiatives.
• Analyze plant purchasing by product type and develop cost-reduction strategies.
• Negotiate supplier contracts to achieve optimum product costs.
• Supervise and train support staff in purchasing activities.
• Develop, implement and manage purchasing SOPs.

Skills

ERP/MRP systems

Supplier contracts

Cost reduction

Data analysis

Vendor management

Education

Associate’s degree in related field

Bachelor’s degree in Material Management or related field

APICS certification

Tools

Lotus SmartSuite

Microsoft Office

ERP/MRP software

Job description

PRIMARY FUNCTION

Responsible for general procurement, implementation of purchasing strategies, and management of supplier relationships. Other areas of responsibility include purchasing of materials and services, implementation/management of contracts including contract negotiation and supporting corporate initiatives, as well approval of suppliers and inventory control.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

• Manage supplier purchase order maintenance, and support maintenance initiatives.
• Analyze current plant purchasing by product type, and develop/support strategies to reduce costs.
• Work with corporate and plant management, accounting, and maintenance to achieve cost savings goals.
• Negotiate supplier contracts to achieve optimum product costs.
• Work directly with scheduling or accounting ensuring established product cost goals are achieved.
• Supervise and train support staff.
• Develop, implement and manage purchasing standard operating procedures.
• Maintain 5S program.
• Ensure supply trailers are managed efficiently.
• Manage plant parts room and reduce/minimize inventory.
• Manage bids, quotes, pricing, and contracts for the Plant, Feed Mill, Hatchery and Truck Shop.
• Work with Plant Management and Product Management to eliminate redundancy and manage inventory, including MRO, packaging, and ingredients.
• Build and develop relationships with key suppliers.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by management.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

3 - 5 direct reports This is a Leader of People position with required competencies: Sizing up People, Delegation, Planning, Customer Focus and Conflict Management.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Associate’s degree in related field from an accredited institution.
• 3-5 years relevant purchasing experience in a similar production environment.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Material Management, Logistics Management, Supply Chain or related field from an accredited institution.
• American Production & Inventory Control Society (APICS) certification 1+ years experience within the food manufacturing industry.

REQUIRED TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Proven supplier contract implementation ability.
• Demonstrated high level of initiative and ownership of projects.
• Experience with daily functions of ERP/MRP systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills Proficient with Lotus SmartSuite and Microsoft applications.
• General knowledge of Production Scheduling/Planning management experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Highly effective interpersonal communication skills sufficient to communicate and interact effectively with all levels within the organization.
• Ability to work in fast paced environment with multiple priorities.
• Ability to handle and resolve most issues independently.
• High work capacity, dependable, results oriented and strong sense of urgency.
• Demonstrated sound work ethic, honesty and moral character.

REQUIRED PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS

• Understand and interpret data while drawing logical conclusions based on available inputs.
• Critical thinking skills in standardized situations as well as non-routine problems.
• Manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously and prioritize work accordingly.

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Follow departmental and company safety policies and programs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work in extreme temperatures, frequently subject to extreme wet and cold, as well as hot and humid environments.
• Subject to odors and areas with moderate to extreme levels of noise.
• Lift up to 50 pounds.
• Bending, twisting, climbing, stacking, pushing and standing for long periods of time.
• Occasional weekend and off-shift work required.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

ABOUT ORG

A career that makes an amazing difference starts at Wayne-Sanderson Farms. Formed from two leading poultry companies with humble roots in farm supply and feed manufacturing, Wayne-Sanderson Farms is built on over a century’s worth of industry expertise and excellence in operation. Our family at Wayne-Sanderson Farms is now more than 26,000 team members and over 2,000 family farmers strong, and still growing as the nation’s third largest poultry producer. By starting your career with a leader in the industry, you can develop your skills in a wide variety of operations while enjoying unique benefits such as our professional development opportunities.