Director, Procurement & External Sourcing

Job Description About Purple Carrot

Purple Carrot started with just a seed of an idea in 2014. Our vision is a world where plant‑based eating is at the core of living well. Every day, on this mission, we’re breaking boundaries with plant‑based eating. We value learning from customers, an ownership mindset, integrity, winning together, and being bold. We need your expertise on our team to make things happen!

Purple Carrot’s irresistible, globally‑inspired meal‑kit recipes and prepared meals using fresh ingredients. We are a team of collaborative individuals who drive for results, strive for doing better, make good choices quickly, and embrace a growth mindset to win or learn. Here’s what you’re up for!

The Director of Procurement will play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth functioning of our supply chain operations. This role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of procurement, including sourcing ingredients and packaging, managing vendor relationships, negotiating contracts and optimizing inventory levels to meet production demands. This role will collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams to uphold quality standards, mitigate risks, drive efficiencies and support Purple Carrot’s growth objectives.

• This role will be based in the Chicago area
  • Hybrid with 2 or more days onsite required
  • Travel of 10-15% or as business needs arise

• Leads supplier performance management efforts by negotiating procured materials and services to achieve optimal Cost of Goods Sold (COGS).
• Develops and implements strategies to ensure the lowest overall cost while mitigating risk to Purple Carrot.
• Ensures that all ingredients and product categories meet the highest level of quality standards, ultimately leading to the best customer satisfaction experience.
• Manages supplier relationships and conducts Supplier Business Reviews, acting as the primary point of contact for performance and risk issues.
• Facilitates supplier collaboration with critical suppliers to leverage capabilities for continuous improvement and innovation.

• Leads sourcing and category management for all product lines, all packaging, and ingredients (both perishable and non‑perishable) at Purple Carrot.
• Identifies and assesses potential new external manufacturing partners for business viability, considering financial, quality, and manufacturing feasibility.

• Identifies business needs at the sourcing and category project level, focusing on assurance of supply, quality, service, cost, and innovation.
• Develops a multi‑year category vision and strategy based on data, insights, and business requirements.
• Actively monitors category dynamics, including market trends, pricing, cost drivers, and industry variables, and communicates changes to business partners.
• Closely monitors and manages COGS and sub‑categories, frequently identifying opportunities for improvement in savings and efficiencies.

• Champion a culture of continuous improvement within the procurement function. Evaluate existing processes, systems, and tools to identify opportunities for optimization and innovation. Implement best practices and industry trends to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field
• 8+ years in procurement, strategic sourcing, and vendor management, preferably in the food or consumer goods industry (Meal kit experience is a plus!)
• 5+ years experience leading a team of in‑person and remote employees
• Understanding of FDA Regulations
• Strong negotiation skills with a track record of achieving cost savings and favorable contract terms.
• Proficiency in procurement software, ERP systems, and Google and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Excitement for working in a dynamic environment with a high level of ambiguity and potential
• Calm under pressure and ability to make smart, quick decisions with limited information
• Strong internal and external communication; able to read people and situations and adapt behavior accordingly
• You enjoy out‑of‑the‑box problem solving

We love our staff, and show it with benefits (including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, FSA, and life insurance), matching retirement plan, unlimited paid time off, Purple Carrot box allowance, professional development, and the opportunity to work in collaboration with teammates who are passionate about food!

We are committed to a safe and inclusive work environment, free of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetics, national origin, ancestry, age, medical condition, mental or physical disability, handicap, veteran status, or marital status.