Senior Sourcing Manager

Who We Are

At Freshpet, our goal is to change the way people nourish their pets forever. We strive to strengthen the bond between people and our pets so that we both live longer, healthier, and happier lives while being kind to the planet. We believe that if we can create fresh, real foods that pets love and help them live healthier lives, that their pet parents will also enjoy the many benefits of a rich life shared with a pet.

We started off with a mission to change the way pet parents feed dogs and cats, but we also wanted to be a company that had a thoughtful approach to how we operate. We wanted to do things differently, make great products but be gentle to the planet, good to the people who touch our business, and leave a positive impact with everything we do.

We work hard every day to ensure that the original vision is met, starting with making the highest quality foods in our kitchens to run our business with integrity, transparency, and social and environmental responsibility. IT’S AMAZING WHAT CAN HAPPEN WHEN YOU START COMPLETELY FRESH!

As Senior Sourcing Manager, you will have responsibility for the development of sourcing strategies for the protein category. You will be a value-added sourcing partner to the business to ensure complete alignment and deep understanding of the business goals in developing sourcing strategies with cross-functional teams. You will recommend cost savings proposals including alternative sourcing solutions and will exercise independent judgement within defined practices to determine appropriate action.

This role will specialize in the animal protein category and be recognized as the related category sourcing expert. You will carry out all procurement activities from RFQ to data analysis, supplier selection and implement robust contracts in alignment with company objectives.

• Leverage sourcing and procurement best practices to develop and implement strategies for the protein category
• Develop and foster relationships with major suppliers in the marketplace and pursue upstream relationships in the value chain where beneficial.
• Understand and stay abreast of macroeconomic, regulatory, and capacity trends which could impact the business. Take action to manage risk and harness opportunities.
• Manage all aspects of category including:
  • strategy development and execution
  • negotiation and contracting supply agreements
  • spend analysis and cost management
  • capacity management and expansion
  • risk management
  • supplier relationship and performance management
  • continuous improvement
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to initiate and lead projects to improve quality and service, lower cost and/or increase capacity.
• Establish lean and effective total cost supply chains for purchased materials
• Collaborate with legal and business stakeholders to protect Freshpet’s intellectual property and any economic benefits realized resultant to joint development efforts
• Establish, measure and report on supplier performance KPI’s
• Organize and lead formal business reviews with key suppliers
• Collaborate with stakeholders on dispute resolution

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Food Science or equivalent experience
• 10-15+ years of experience in direct material sourcing for a CPG company operating in a direct manufacturing environment of which 8+ years were in sourcing land animal proteins

• Extensive protein sourcing experience with a heavy concentration in poultry
• Ability to expertly collaborate with and influence people of different levels inside/outside the company as a team, working toward common goals and objectives.
• Advanced leadership, relationship management, project management and data analysis skills
• Simultaneously manage multiple projects while balancing short term vs. long term needs
• Extensive negotiation, conflict management, and problem-solving skills
• Emotional intelligence to take full responsibility for decisions and results even when all elements are not under individual direct control
• Strong sense of urgency and attention to detail
• Excellent verbal and written…