MFG SOT LEADER

Deliver sustainable competitive advantage to Kroger Manufacturing Operations through strategic procurement of quality materials at competitive prices.

Strategically manage material costs through competitive bidding, negotiation, identification of alternative material and material sources, while improving levels of supplier quality and service.

Perform all jobs safely, efficiently and accurately to maintain and improve the performance of the entire plant in the areas of Safety, Quality, Reliability (SQR) and our Customer 1st strategy.

Role model and demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.

Minimum
- Bachelor's Degree food science, technical, business management or related field
- 10+ years procurement experience or similar buying experience, strong knowledge of supplier industry specific to position (L-11)
- 7+ years procurement experience or similar buying experience, strong knowledge of supplier industry specific to position (L-10)
- Excellent verbal and written communication
- Understand risk management, global economics, supply chain networking, government policy/reports, technical attributes and weather
- Broad comprehension for technical standards associated with raw material
- Strong knowledge of specific supplier industry
- Able to make decisions and implement changes
- Excellent leadership qualities
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Strong negotiation skills

Desired
- Prior Procurement/Sourcing experience
- Previously developed and executed buying strategies- Improve the value equation (price, quality and service) of material purchases
- Assess, mitigate and manage material supply risks
- Leverage aggregated Enterprise volumes and supplier relationships
- Manage and structure the Requests for Information (RFI) and Requests for Proposal (RFP)
- Ensure business needs and technology capabilities are linked and maintained
- Lead development of commercial agreements
- Forecast latest estimates and supply availability
- Cultivate and govern supplier relationships.

Support supplier diversity initiatives
- Ensure material purchases are covered by Supply Vendor Agreement/Contract (SVA).
- Develop strong understanding of market and price trends, monitor competitive factors.
- Lead cross-discipline teams
- Collaborate with CFT and CS&I to identify and align expectations
- Monitor spend, and ensure purchases follow process
- Understand and optimize supply base
- Establish category priorities
- Develop, communicate and support corporate sourcing strategy
- Act as change agent in leading the implementation of new sourcing initiatives
- Follow established programs, policies and practices to produce safe quality foods that meet regulatory and company requirements.
- Support the development, implementation, maintenance, and ongoing improvement of the SQF 2000 Systems.
- Accountable to the Kroger Manufacturing Food Safety and Quality Principles
- Must be able to work around ingredients and/...