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- Tasks: Lead procurement processes and manage supplier relationships for Meiji America.
- Company: Join Meiji America, a leader in the food industry focused on quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping supply chain strategies with real impact.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and 5-10 years of relevant experience required.
- Other info: Supervise a team of buyers across multiple locations.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
The Director of Purchasing is responsible for leading the people, systems, and processes of procurement at Meiji America. The Director of Purchasing oversees the corporate ingredient and packaging spends, and acts as the Purchasing lead on key interdepartmental teams, product lifecycle management, and commodities risk management. Additionally, leads supplier selection, negotiations and qualifications at a corporate level. The Director of Purchasing is also responsible for effective material planning, including inventory strategies and execution at all sites and in all purchased component categories.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:
- Commodities risk management, know the markets, make coverage decisions well time to the market.
- MRP leader.
- MRP health and strong requirements planning, including PO signals.
- Inventory management and strategies.
- Balancing inventory carrying while reducing MRS.
- Manage the budget and projections for the department and PPV.
- Supplier Relationship management.
- Execute Request for Quotes (RFQ’s) through a strategic spend calendar.
- Analyze market and delivery systems to assess present and future material availability.
- Develop and implement purchasing and contract management instructions, policies, and procedures.
- Develop corporate materials planning models.
- Develop and maintain Supply Chain metrics in the Purchasing function.
- Set annual standard costs for all purchased bill of material components.
- Manage the financial aspects of the Purchasing function, including PPV projection and department expenses.
Supervisory Responsibilities
The Director of Purchasing supervises a team of 4 buyers, 2 located in York and 2 located in Santa Ana, CA, as well as a Purchasing Manager.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required:
- Leadership – Ability to lead and manage teams to defined and expected outcomes.
- Good problem-solving skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Analytical skills.
- Mathematics aptitude.
- Knowledge of rigid and flexible packaging performance.
- Knowledge of integrated ERP systems.
- Ability to act as a ‘deal developer’ providing catalyst to development of a least cost supply chain.
- Ability to establish project goals and milestones, develop procedures and systems.
- People Management – Motivating employees, defining roles and responsibilities, and providing feedback and coaching.
- Skilled communicator understanding and utilizing all means of communication in appropriate and professional delivery.
Education and/or Experience
Bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university and five to ten years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Director of Purchasing employer: ZipRecruiter
Contact Detail:
ZipRecruiter Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Purchasing
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in procurement and supply chain management. Understanding current market dynamics and commodities risk management will give you an edge during interviews, as you'll be able to discuss relevant strategies and insights.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the purchasing field, especially those who have experience in leadership roles. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues or mentors who can provide valuable insights and possibly refer you to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your leadership and team management skills. Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully led a team or managed a project, as these will be crucial in demonstrating your fit for the Director of Purchasing role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Meiji America thoroughly, including their corporate culture and values. Tailoring your discussions to align with their mission and demonstrating how your experience can contribute to their goals will make a strong impression during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Purchasing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement, supplier management, and leadership. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage teams and drive results in purchasing.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and the company. Discuss your understanding of commodities risk management and how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Analytical Skills: Emphasise your analytical skills in both your CV and cover letter. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed inventory strategies or developed purchasing models in previous roles.
Highlight Leadership Experience: Since the role involves supervising a team, be sure to highlight your leadership experience. Discuss how you've motivated teams, defined roles, and provided coaching in past positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at ZipRecruiter
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director of Purchasing, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and manage teams effectively. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully motivated your team, defined roles, and achieved defined outcomes.
✨Understand Market Trends
Familiarise yourself with current market trends and commodities risk management. Be ready to discuss how you would make coverage decisions based on market analysis and your approach to inventory management.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
Highlight your analytical skills by discussing specific instances where you've used data to inform purchasing decisions. Be prepared to explain how you assess material availability and develop purchasing strategies.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about potential challenges in supplier relationship management or budget management and how you would address them effectively.
