Strategic Sourcing Commodity Manager-Proteins

Baxters North America; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Baxters North America is seeking a Strategic Sourcing Commodity Manager-Proteins to lead category strategy development and negotiations for protein-based raw materials. You will align sourcing with business goals, drive cost effectiveness, and ensure supply continuity through market insight and risk management.

The role requires collaboration with NPD, Quality and Operations, oversight of supplier performance, and leadership in procurement processes, data analysis, and budget inputs.

Qualifications

• Vendor management, contracts, and supplier negotiations experience required.
• Experience in strategic sourcing and category management for proteins or food ingredients preferred.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and analytical skills; ability to interpret market data and drive cost reductions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for protein commodities.
• Lead supplier negotiations to achieve cost savings and mitigate risk.
• Monitor protein markets and regulatory changes to inform decisions.
• Collaborate with NPD, Quality, and Operations to ensure food safety and quality.
• Manage supplier performance and Pareto improvements; drive KPIs and scorecards.

Skills

Vendor management

Contracts management

Negotiation

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory compliance

Forecasting

Supply planning

Communication

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Scope of Job

The Strategic Sourcing Commodity Manager-Proteins is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for protein-based raw materials that align with business objectives and ensure cost competitiveness, quality, and supply continuity. This role requires deep market insight into protein supply chains, global trends, and risk management to support long‑term planning and operational needs. This role involves following structured processes for supplier negotiations and contracting, coordinating with internal stakeholders to define material, quality, and service requirements. The manager tracks service KPIs via scorecards to evaluate vendor performance, and evaluates new sources, methods, and vendors to ensure a reliable supply of materials.

Essential Job Functions And Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for protein commodities, leveraging market intelligence and supplier analytics.
• Lead supply negotiations to achieve cost savings and mitigate risk, including using strategies and processes to support (e.g., RFPs, negotiation tactics, make/buy analysis, etc.).
• Monitor global protein markets, economic indicators, and regulatory changes to inform sourcing decisions.
• Collaborate with NPD, Quality, and Operations to ensure compliance to food safety and quality standards.
• Manage supplier performance, including delivery, reliability, sustainability initiatives, and innovation opportunities.
• Development and improvement of optimum Supply Chain lead‑times, EOQ purchases and material obsolescence.
• Lead the development of category plans that support business strategy, delivering commercially strong competitive advantage.
• Demonstrate insight‑based analysis of BNA needs and supplier markets.
• Input and lead the S&OP+ business Step 3 processes as required for Supply Planning and provide procurement cost and delivery inputs to the new business planning and budget processes.
• Lead reporting on central supplier activities, including sourcing, supplier management, and supplier contractual and performance negotiations for responsible areas., including delist, supply base consolidation, approved supply list management.
• Deliver $300k annual PPV results committed in category plan in a timely fashion. Provide accurate project tracking and results reporting including regular communications and projections of latest estimates including risks and opportunities.
• Lead and coach supplier performance management including the implementation of delivery timing, forecast feasibility and cost outcomes. Builds strategic supplier relationships that deliver competitive advantage to BNA.
• Placement and blanket POs by month for forward month 4 to 12 on a rolling basis
• Submit/recover valid vendor claims.
• Ensure master data and price file maintenance are current at all times.
• Ensure Via the S&OP process FP&A are aware of any major price movements and impacts.
• Management of Vendor Invoice price variances
• Collaborate with production and supporting departments to ensure the food safety and quality of our products.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education

Bachelor’s degree required

Experience

+7 years of experience in food manufacturing preferred. Overall knowledge and understanding and impacts of procurement strategy and execution to broader business.

Competencies

Vendor Management, Contracts Management & Administration, Demand Forecasting, Inventory Management, Negotiation, Procurement, Supplier Management, Regulatory Compliance, Economic Research, Strategic Sourcing, Strategic Thinking, Business Acumen, Strong Communication Skills, Collaborative, Emotional Intelligence, Adaptable, Teamwork, Integrity, and Operational Excellence.

Physical Requirements

Requires prolonged sitting and continuous use of computer. May lift, carry, push, or pull objects up to 10 lbs. Current expectation is to be in the office a minimum of 4 days per week. May require occasional travel to vendors, external shows, production sites, etc.