Strategic Dairy Procurement Director

Ornua

Hilbert (WI)

On-site

USD 150,000 - 210,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Ornua is seeking a Procurement Director in Hilbert, WI to lead strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, and procurement activities across dairy and non-dairy ingredients. The role drives cost optimization, supplier relationships, and cross‑functional collaboration with R&D, Quality Assurance, Production, and Finance to align sourcing with business goals.

The ideal candidate has 7–10 years of leadership in dairy purchasing, strong analytical and negotiation skills, and the ability to operate at

Qualifications

7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in dairy product and commodity purchasing in a dairy manufacturing environment.
Knowledge of pasteurized process cheese or willingness to learn quickly.
Proven ability to manage complex supplier relationships with strong commercial acumen.
Skilled in project management, cross‑functional collaboration, and problem solving with strong analytical ability.
High attention to detail, ownership and accountability, with strong communication and negotiation skills.
Collaborative working style with ability to influence across cross‑functional teams and drive results.
Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, resilience and self‑motivation.
Ability to work with internal teams at regional, national and potentially global levels.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement sourcing strategies for dairy and non-dairy ingredient commodities.
Lead supplier selection, contract negotiations, and performance management.
Monitor commodity markets and industry trends to anticipate cost fluctuations and supply risks.
Negotiate contract pricing and terms with suppliers to secure favorable agreements and reduce costs.
Monitor supplier performance regarding quality, delivery, and compliance; initiate corrective actions as needed.
Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure quality and innovation.
Conduct supplier evaluations and audits to ensure compliance with food safety and sustainability standards.
Maintain compliance with the Supplier Approval Program.
Identify cost‑saving opportunities and develop contingency plans; collaborate with production/sales to forecast demand.
Lead, mentor and supervise junior buyers or procurement assistants; represent Ornua’s brand and values.
Utilize ERP systems to manage procurement activities and generate reports; analyze spend data and market intelligence.