Sourcing Manager

The Manager of Sourcing (Packaging) will be responsible for the procurement strategy on a portion of our packaging category, overseeing approximately $100 million in annual spend. This leader will be an expert in the packaging market, analyzing trends, mitigating supply risk based on forecasted demand, actively developing deep relationships with current and potential suppliers, working cross-collaboratively with culinary, QA, and other key internal groups, and executing a strategic packaging procurement plan to ensure that Panera obtains the highest quality packaging products at a competitive price.

Personal competencies for success include the ability to master both strategic and operational issues, efficiently manage multiple competing priorities, exhibit outstanding teamwork and collaboration skills, excellent communication, negotiation and relationship skills, and the demonstrated ability to manage through transformational change.

Duties & Responsibilities

The Manager, Sourcing (Packaging) will lead a portion of the packaging procurement at Panera. This category leader will directly manage the packaging category:

• Category Management
• Fully understand and lead packaging sub-categories by deep subject matter knowledge in:
• Commodity expertise
• Cost drivers
• Usage and forecasts
• New product development
• Develop and own the category cost plan; monitor and maintain performance for the year
• Manage RFP process from obtaining new vendors through analysis and award
• Recognize, cultivate, and lead cost savings measures to the system and Panera LLC
• Negotiate the lowest price based on based on deploying the most profitable response to our demand in consideration of our product specifications, quality, service levels, and industry conditions
• Work together with cross-functional partners such as QA, Operations, Culinary, Finance to provide project visibility and allow for cross functional alignment and execution of Sourcing projects
• Supplier Management
• Grow, maintain, and establish strong supplier business relationships
• Actively solicit supplier performance feedback from Team Panera
• Enhance supplier development by communicating Team Panera's performance standards measures, develop joint improvement initiatives (product, process, etc) as needed
• Conduct and lead regular business review sessions with our supplier partners in order to inform and align them with Panera's strategy for managed products
• Develop and ensure up to date management of supplier contingency plans and strategy in the event the primary supplier is unable to perform as required (quality, delivery, spec adherence, etc)
• Ensure we have supplier contracts and pricing agreements detailing costs and pricing methodology
• Coordinate with Panera's Supply Management team in determining optimal supplier locations and delivery methods
• Coordinate the execution of new product (permanent or LTO) introductions in the Panera system-taking into account production lead times, MOQs, and contingency

Qualifications (Education & Experience)

Qualifications include:

• College degree in Business, Supply Chain, or an associated Field and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required
• Specialized knowledge
• Contract negotiation
• Strategic sourcing
• Skills
• Exceptional critical thinking skills with strategic mindset
• Abilities
• Financial understanding of company and department measures
• Other characteristics such as personal characteristics
• Ability to adapt easily to rapidly changing situations and priorities. Comfortable adjusting concepts to fit new situations.
• Comfortable delivering feedback to both supplier partners and internal partners while maintaining a good relationship and leading to effective results
• Professional Certification
• None required
• Experience
• 5+ years of experience Procurement, Supply Chain, or Strategic Sourcing strongly preferred
• 5+ years of Packaging Procurement or equivalent is required with at least 5 years of >$75M spend oversight
• Demonstrated contract negotiation experience with positive financial and supply outcomes

Working Conditions

• Required travel - up to 25%

Direct Reports

• This position may have future direct reports