Senior Manager, Procurement Optimization

The Senior Manager, Procurement Optimization plays a key role in leading sourcing activities across categories for our organization. They will provide strategic leadership and relationship management, lead sourcing and procurement execution, and manage a team through leadership and development. This role requires a strategic thinker with excellent managerial skills, a strong analytical mindset, a deep understanding of the procurement process, and the ability to build strong relationships internally within the procurement team and with key Cook stakeholders.

• Lead procurement optimization team in executing market events and RFPs, optimizing sourcing activities across categories while working with category management to define strategies.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, aligning procurement strategies with business needs and fostering seamless collaboration.
• Utilize strategic thinking and analytics to identify cost savings, process improvements, and risk mitigation.
• Drive data-driven decision-making through actionable insights generated from analytics and technology tools.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, regulations, and legal requirements.
• Continuously improve procurement processes, systems, and tools.
• Effectively communicate procurement strategies with the category management team and results to stakeholders.
• Manage end-to-end market events and RFPs, optimizing supplier relationships and contract terms.
• Gather requirements from internal stakeholders for market events and RFPs.
• Conduct thorough market research to inform decision-making and supplier selection.
• Drive cost savings and process improvements through effective negotiation and contract management.
• Navigate internal stakeholders to align efforts with their expectations and manage cross-functional projects/initiatives.
• Lead and mentor procurement optimization team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.
• Provide guidance and support for professional growth and development.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed. This position is expected to follow other job-related instructions and duties.

Minimum Work Experience/Educational Requirements

• BA/BS degree required (MBA preferred), or equivalent relevant experience.
• 5+ years in procurement or supply chain.
• Must have 3+ years of management experience.
• Professional certifications in procurement or supply chain management in lieu of years of experience.
• Procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain management preferred.

• Deep understanding of procurement processes, strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, and supplier relationship management.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis tools and techniques.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, with a focus on driving innovation and continuous improvement in procurement practices.
• Must be willing to manage within an organization undergoing change.
• Must be knowledgeable of procurement systems, tools, policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated experience in negotiations, driving cost reduction strategies and day to day procurement operations.
• Knowledge in demand planning and inventory management.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Must be willing to manage within an organization undergoing change.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Requires occasional early morning or evening teleconferences.   
• Works under general office environmental conditions, with sitting for extended periods.  
• Utilizes close visual acuity for working with computers and equipment. 
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job, subject to reasonable accommodation under national disability requirements.
• May travel domestically and internationally as needed.