Sr Specialist Category Procurement

Job Location: Hershey, PA

Major Duties & Responsibilities:

• Work with the U.S./Canada Business Units & Director, Commodities & Specialty Procurement, to support assigned categories (Specialty ingredients, nuts, dairy, and energy).
• Track the financial P&L, business requirements, and establish contractual arrangements based on buyer direction.
• Provide both ad hoc and regular analytics to develop an understanding of the category, supply/demand, cost drivers, competing industries, supplier options, regulatory environment.
• Work with the category manager on supplier invoice discrepancies and manufacturing supply challenges.
• Sr. Commodities Specialist will be the primary conduit for tracking strat plan and standards financials.
• In addition, support the category manager on quarterly business updates that drive the financial plan across the enterprise.
• Collaboration: Partner with Supply Chain, R&D, Manufacturing, and other appropriate departments to identify and support innovation and continuous improvement such as cost savings, quality improvements, alternate supplier qualifications, supplier diversity, and working capital improvement.
• Manage specialty ingredient categories from negotiation/SAP contracts to fulfillment for various managed categories.
• Accountable for supplier metrics and performance of assigned categories and suppliers.
• Metrics include but are not limited to CI, PPV, OTIF, inventory, waste, and quality performance.

Minimum Knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform major duties/responsibilities:

• Agile and flexible to changing demands and workload to ensure timely results.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills. Able to effectively build and manage relationships. Seeks feedback, input, and strives for excellence.
• Strategic mindset - Translates information and data into recommendations and actions. Sets strategic goals based on insights and with key deliverables and clear business benefits.
• Financial acumen and experience connecting work to top and bottom-line initiatives.
• High self-confidence level, high motivation, and the ability to challenge, be challenged and demonstrate growth.
• Able to work under pressure.
• Willingness and ability to travel to meet suppliers/brokers and attend conferences.
• Strong presentation skills and ability to present to senior leaders.
• SAP knowledge
• Intimate knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Education & Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Economics or related field of study, or equivalent experience, required
• Knowledge/relevant experience in materials management, sourcing or procurement and related supply chains.