Senior Manager, Strategic Procurement

Join the Snack Revolution at Utz!

At Utz, we're not just making snacks-we're crafting moments of joy. With over a century of heritage and a bold vision for the future, we're on a mission to become the fastest-growing pure-play U.S. snacking company of scale. Our brands-Utz, Zapp's, Boulder Canyon, and On the Border-are beloved across the country, and we're looking for passionate, driven professionals to help us grow even faster.

About the Role:

As Senior Manager, Strategic Procurement, you'll be at the heart of our supply chain transformation. The role is directly responsible for the management and supplier support of direct materials supply into manufacturing operations (eg Utz factory or Contract Manufacturer). This position is responsible for developing category strategies that meet company objectives, and for working on a variety of category management and strategic sourcing initiatives aligned with the overall direction and leadership from the enterprise-wide category leader.

The role is accountable for executing strategic sourcing and supply management projects focused on delivering year-over-year cost improvements, improving quality and delivery performance to support Utz's overall company growth and profitability objectives. Strategic projects include initiatives such as RFP's, Value Engineering, Continuous Improvement cost reduction and supplier quality improvement activities. Key stakeholders include leaders in Manufacturing, Supply Chain, R&D and Finance.

*This is a remote opportunity with travel as required.

What You'll Do:

• Design and execute category strategies that align to Utz business strategies (e.g. conduct spend analysis, align business objectives, conduct supply market analysis, etc.)
• Provide fact-based recommendations to executive level management for constructing the best overall strategic buy decisions.
• Proactively work with key suppliers on capacity planning and forward looking inventory management programs to address potential supply assurance risks.
• Develop and negotiate long term purchasing contracts that include favorable terms and advanced supply chain optimization programs such as supplier-owned inventory, just-in-time delivery schedules, and reduced lead times.
• Maintain a deep understanding of supply market dynamics for assigned categories by providing specific category expertise for internal customers and Procurement leadership.
• Remain current with market trends, internal customer needs and business needs.
• Support Supplier Development efforts with Utz strategic Direct materials suppliers that aggressively manage cost and increase value to the business
• Identify and implement supplier cost savings projects to reduce costs and/or improve balance sheet.
• Identify and select suppliers using criteria such as quality, price and delivery date.
• Collaborate with department managers to clarify purchase requirements, identify plant consumption needs and trends and place orders to procure those materials.
• Leverages multiple sources of market intelligence and data to make data-informed decisions.
• Maintain a deep understanding of supply market dynamics for assigned categories.
• Coordinate and monitor raw material inventories with Utz manufacturing, co-packers, and suppliers.

What You Bring:

• Bachelor's Degree is preferred, or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• 7+ years of experience in Supply Chain (eg Procurement, Planning, Transportation etc)
• 5+ years of experience in CPG, Food or Beverage Industry.
• Knowledge of and experience in proactive Supplier Development activities (root cause problem solving, lean manufacturing, kaizen).
• Experience working with multiple internal customers / business / functional units.
• Deep understanding of category management, strategic sourcing, and supplier relationship management principles and application.
• Advanced financial analytical skills and experience in enhancing value through negotiations.
• Strategic orientation, inquisitive, comfortable with ambiguity, and self-motivated to identify trends and improvement opportunities aligned with business objectives and strategic plans.
• Ability to build effective relationships, and build consensus with peers and stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to tailor messages to the given audience, present information in a clear and concise manner.
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills with ability to extract key themes, determine root causes, develop creative solutions, and craft concise messages.
• Ability to prioritize, organize, and multitask in a flexible, fast-paced environment.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word skills is highly desired.

External Recruitment Process:

• Easy Application (5 mins): Introduce yourself and answer a few key questions to get started.
• Engaging Chat Interview (20-25 mins): Share your experiences in an online chat, highlighting how your values align with ours.
• Live Interview: Selected candidates will meet with the hiring manager to explore their alignment with the team and overall Utz company culture.

Why Utz?

We believe our associates are the secret ingredient to our success. That's why we offer:

• A supportive, inclusive culture that values your growth.
• Competitive benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with match, profit sharing, and employee stock purchase plan.
• Opportunities to make a real impact in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.