The Role 

The Manager, Direct Procurement - Planning & Analytics role for GTI is responsible for driving internal MRP for direct materials to support the company’s needs as well as driving an increased level of performance analysis and focus on process improvement. This role will be critical to ensure materials are procured in the most cost and time efficient manner by driving reporting and tracking as well as evaluating data and making recommendations on areas of opportunities. This role will be accountable for driving profit enhancement through spend analysis and trend data for the Direct Procurement team. This role will drive the continuous process of actualizing the best sourced material solutions to achieve organizational goals and efficiencies.  The role operates in a fast paced environment requiring rapid response and readiness in order to diagnose gaps and implement solutions to ensure business needs are met. 

This is a hybrid role and requires in office work 1-2 days per week at our office in River North. 

Responsibilities 

• Undertakes management of ROP (Re-order Point) system and meetings across entire network to ensure operations have all materials available for production and procurement is delivering best-in-class service. 

• Evaluates various market trends and internal trends to support strategic proposals across Direct categories.  

• Supports the management of ongoing vendor relationships and supplier performance across the portfolio through improved KPI development, analysis, and management.  

• Identifies strategic opportunities which result in cost savings, areas for efficiency and opportunities for Procurement team. 

• Follows procurement strategies, policies and procedures as defined by the leadership team, develops a comprehensive understanding of the business and user requirements for assigned spend categories. 

• Develops a business relationship with functional stakeholders on the Operations, Brand, Marketing & Project teams and solicits feedback on procurement and vendor performance, shares and identifies new opportunities for improvement. 

• Drive tracking and reporting for all areas of Direct Procurement; develop tracking mechanisms and supplier key performance indicators with the Director; tracks compliance and develops leakage reports; supports formal management reporting to director and other members of senior management. 

• Monitors status of open purchase orders to ensure on-time delivery of all materials, including timely resolution, communication, and mitigation of future potential problems. 

• Determines and establishes optimal inventory levels based on forecast, demand variation and equipment lead times. 

• Identifies and drives process improvement workstreams to support both Procurement and cross-functional business partners. 

• Supports the development of cross-functional teams by identifying internal customers and stakeholders for inclusion; interfaces with internal customers to understand requirements and resolves issues. 

• Identifies and partners with business stakeholders to execute cost reduction opportunities to achieve financial goals without compromising quality or service. 

• Lead or input in special projects as required. 

• Support system development, implementation, and monitoring to ensure material readiness. 

Qualifications  

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field preferred: business, supply chain, finance 
• 5+ in procurement or related analytical fields (finance, planning, etc.) 
• Direct Procurement experience preferred (packaging, ingredients, etc.) 
• Expertise in the supplier market landscapes: major suppliers, trends, threats, terms, etc. 
• Strong analytical skills required. 
• Hands-on expertise in developing and implementing programs for cost reduction, supplier performance management and inventory reduction and well-versed in all stages of procurement. 
• APICS or Supply Chain Certification is preferred. 
• Experience with MRP/ERP systems preferred. 
• Highly motivated, self-directed, innovative, and able to work independently or among teams with keen judgement, common sense and resourcefulness. 
• Adapts and thrives in a demanding, start-up, fast-paced environment. 
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills (verbal, non-verbal, written), with the ability to build relationships at all levels, both internally and externally. 
• Possesses a high level of critical thinking & problem solving. 
• Operates with a high level of professionalism and integrity, including dealing with confidential information. 
• Ability to travel up to 15% 

Additional Requirements 

• Must pass any and all required background checks  
• Must be and remain compliant with all legal or company regulations for working in the industry  
• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age 

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