Category Manager - ASCNSH

Griffith Foods is the caring, creative product development partner helping food companies meet the evolving needs of consumers while sustaining the planet. As a family business founded in 1919 and headquartered in Alsip, Illinois USA, Griffith Foods is known for true, collaborative innovation guided by their Purpose of “We Blend Care and Creativity to Nourish the World”. The company’s product capabilities range from seasonings and marinades to coating systems and sauces that are better for people and better for the planet. For more information, visit www.griffithfoods.com.

Key Roles & Responsibilities:

Major duties & Responsibilities:

• Following a sourcing process that includes industry and supplier analysis, supplier development, negotiation strategy, sustainability and regenerative agriculture strategies, and ongoing supplier relationship and contract management for the designated categories in conjunction with global/regional to ensure global, regional, and local alignment with the strategies, and execute sourcing strategy accordingly.
• Develop reliable supply agreements to maintain a good service level from our suppliers.
• Negotiate price and all related commercial conditions to improve cost and service level.
• Analyze and define sourcing category strategies and report milestone objectives advancements.
• Budget management for responsible RM categories.
• Collaborate with regional and global relevant team members to deliver and contribute on business requirements and goals.
• Develop and manage supplier relationships in conjunction with business requirements and with internal stakeholders (Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Regulatory, Research & Development, Finance, and Customer Service). 
• Identify GPE/Cost down opportunities and execute accordingly.
• Provide timely solutions to the raw material shortages and create contingency plans to avoid future supply issues.
• Seek and develop alternate raw materials or dual vendors to guarantee best possible procurement conditions.
• Source new materials/suppliers with 100% compliance of Griffith principles in terms of documentation management.
• Keep and maintain vendor / pricing item catalogs up to date in all system.
• Sustainability and regenerative agriculture strategy development and execution based on latest company principle.

• Review and work to maintain and update standard purchasing practice & procedures to continuously improve operations and purchasing efficiency.

Functional Knowledge: 

• Regenerative agriculture experience is highly preferred.
• Food industry background with enough food science and technology knowledge preferred.
• Minimum 5 years working experience.
• Bachelor’s degree or above.
• Project management experience preferred.
• Good team player.

Problem Solving: 

• Documentation management for materials and suppliers in an effective and accurate way.
• Primary selection of materials and suppliers based on compliance level of Griffith principles.
• Able to work and manage a multifunctional environment to manage business requirements (ie: Supply disruption regarding delivery, quality, urgent support etc.)