Director Sourcing/Procurement - Commodities

Summary:

The Director of Sourcing & Procurement is responsible for leading and executing the organization's strategic sourcing and procurement initiatives for key commodity and ingredient categories. This role will drive operational excellence, cost efficiency, and risk mitigation while ensuring alignment with business objectives and market dynamics. The position requires strong leadership, deep market expertise, advanced negotiation skills, and a strategic vision to optimize supply chain performance and deliver long-term value. Additionally, the role will focus on long-term strategy roadmap development, securing buy-in from stakeholders, and executing initiatives to drive sustainable procurement excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Leadership:

• Develop, implement, and continuously refine sourcing and procurement strategies to enhance business performance across commodity categories (Grains, Pulses, Sweeteners, Nuts, Fruits).
• Lead supplier negotiations, ensuring cost competitiveness, supply security, and long-term partnerships that drive operational efficiency.
• Analyze global market trends, supply-demand dynamics, and geopolitical risks to guide sourcing decisions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance procurement effectiveness, supplier collaboration, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Develop and execute a long-term strategic roadmap for sourcing and procurement, securing organizational buy-in, and ensuring successful execution.

Supplier Relationship & Performance Management:

• Establish, cultivate, and strengthen strategic supplier relationships to ensure best-in-class service, quality, and innovation.
• Lead contract negotiations and ensure adherence to corporate procurement policies and compliance regulations.
• Develop supplier scorecards and performance metrics to monitor and optimize vendor contributions.
• Identify and implement supplier development programs to enhance value creation and supply resilience.

Cost Management & Value Optimization:

• Drive cost reduction strategies through competitive bidding, strategic sourcing, and supply base optimization.
• Implement robust cost models and procurement tools to support budget adherence and financial objectives.
• Develop and execute risk management strategies, including hedging, volume aggregation, and alternative sourcing options.
• Lead the development of true cost models and cost analysis methodologies to enhance pricing accuracy and procuremnt efficiency.
• Establish value pricing models to ensure cost -effective sourcing while delivering optimal value to stakeholders.

Risk Management & Compliance:

• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including price volatility, supply disruptions, and geopolitical impacts.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, sustainability initiatives, and corporate social responsibility goals.
• Establish and enforce procurement standard operating procedures to align with industry best practices.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Leadership:

• Work closely with internal stakeholders, including Supply Chain, Finance, Operations, and Business Management, to align procurement strategies with business needs.
• Provide market intelligence and insights to support business decision-making and product development initiatives.
• Champion a culture of innovation, agility, and collaboration across the procurement function.
• Lead sell in initiatives to gain alignment on sourcing and procurement strategies across key business units, ensuring seamless execution and operational integration.

Key Competencies:

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
• Strategic thinker with a proven ability to execute in a dynamic business environment.
• Advanced negotiation and contract management expertise.
• Deep understanding of global commodity markets and supply chain best practices.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and financial acumen.
• Ability to drive supplier performance and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (Oracle or similar) and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Ability to successfully function at a strategic level as well as a hands-on tactical individual contributor that is comfortable in the details.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Lead and mentor a team of sourcing professionals, fostering a high-performance culture.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in strategic sourcing and procurement, with a focus on commodity categories.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in a food manufacturing or consumer goods environment preferred.
• Proven track record of developing and executing strategy, driving cost savings, supplier performance, and operational improvements.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Candidate must possess a strong working knowledge of food manufacturing sourcing categories.
• Outstanding verbal, written, multi-tasking and presentation skills.
• Ability to create momentum and foster organizational change.
• Must have a working knowledge of MS Word and MS PowerPoint software and be proficient with MS Excel software.

Additional Considerations:

• Location: This position will be at our Corporate Office in Eden Prairie, MN.
• Travel: Travel is required to various SunOpta locations and for meetings or other job-related functions.
• Work Environment: Approximately 95% of work performed in office environment; 5% of work may be agricultural or manufacturing environment.

Featured benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid Family leave
• Paid maternity leave
• 401(k) with Match
• Voluntary Life, Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital indemnity
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition assistance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED