Procurement Manager – Baking / Noodle Manufacturing

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Procurement Manager to oversee sourcing, supplier negotiations, and logistics for our baking/noodle manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for ensuring the consistent and cost-effective supply of key ingredients such as flour, wheat, oils, starches, seasonings, and packaging while maintaining strict quality and food safety standards. The ideal candidate will bring strong negotiation expertise and deep logistics experience, particularly in managing bulk commodities, perishable inputs, and time-sensitive deliveries.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Ingredient Procurement

Develop sourcing strategies for core commodities (e.g., wheat flour, semolina, rice flour, eggs, oils, salt, yeast, additives, and seasoning blends)
Manage procurement of packaging materials (bags, cartons, flexible films) aligned with production requirements
Monitor commodity markets (grain, oil, and energy) to anticipate price fluctuations and secure favorable purchasing positions
Collaborate with production and R&D teams to support product consistency and new product development

Negotiation & Supplier Management

Lead contract negotiations for bulk raw materials and long-term supplier agreements
Secure competitive pricing while ensuring quality, supply reliability, and compliance with food safety standards
Build strategic partnerships with mills, ingredient processors, and packaging suppliers
Evaluate and manage supplier performance based on cost, quality, delivery, and responsiveness
Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives such as alternative sourcing, contract renegotiation, and volume optimization

Logistics & Inventory Management

Oversee inbound logistics for bulk and packaged ingredients, including tanker, rail, and truck deliveries
Coordinate storage and handling of high-volume, shelf-life-sensitive materials (e.g., flour freshness, oil stability)
Optimize transportation routes and freight contracts to reduce logistics costs and improve delivery reliability
Work closely with production planning to ensure just-in-time delivery while avoiding spoilage or stockouts
Manage inventory levels considering shelf life, storage conditions (temperature/moisture), and production cycles

Food Safety, Quality & Compliance

Ensure all suppliers meet food safety standards (HACCP, FSMA, FDA/USDA requirements)
Maintain traceability of ingredients from supplier to finished product
Partner with Quality Assurance to audit suppliers and resolve quality issues
Ensure compliance with allergen control, labeling, and ingredient specifications

Risk Management & Continuity Planning

Identify risks related to commodity volatility, crop yields, and global supply disruptions
Develop contingency sourcing plans and maintain backup suppliers
Monitor geopolitical and environmental factors affecting grain and ingredient supply

Process Improvement & Systems

Utilize ERP/MRP systems to manage procurement planning, purchase orders, and tracking
Analyze procurement data to improve cost efficiency and supplier performance
Drive continuous improvement in procurement and logistics processes

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Food Science, Business, or related field
5+ years of procurement experience in baking, milling, noodle production, or related food manufacturing
Strong experience sourcing agricultural commodities and managing supplier contracts
Knowledge of ingredient functionality, shelf life considerations, and storage requirements
Experience with bulk logistics and food-grade transportation

Skills & Competencies

Expert-level negotiation and contract management skills
Strong understanding of commodity markets (wheat, oils, grains)
Advanced logistics coordination and inventory planning capabilities
Strong analytical and financial acumen (cost modeling, forecasting)
Excellent cross-functional communication skills
Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.) and Excel

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Cost reduction and commodity cost management
Supplier reliability (on-time, in-full deliveries)
Ingredient quality and compliance performance
Inventory turnover and waste/spoilage reduction
Freight and logistics efficiency
Supply continuity during market fluctuations

Work Environment

Fast-paced manufacturing setting with high production volume
Frequent collaboration with production, QA, and planning teams
Occasional travel to mills, ingredient suppliers, and distribution hubs

Why Join Us

Play a critical role in securing the ingredients behind essential staple foods
Opportunity to shape procurement strategy in a commodity-driven market
Competitive compensation and strong growth potential

EEO Statement

PGF provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, or service in the military. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.

Palmetto Gourmet Foods is a drug free workplace.

Palmetto Gourmet Foods Inc

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