Senior Manager

Job Summary

The Senior Manager of Staples & Pulses Sourcing will develop and execute a comprehensive sourcing strategy for staple goods, with a particular focus on pulses. This leadership role is responsible for ensuring a high-quality, cost-effective, and consistent supply of these products across the company's retail and/or B2B channels. The Senior Manager will manage key supplier relationships, lead negotiations, and oversee the procurement lifecycle to meet business objectives and quality standards.

Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing and Vendor Management

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing plans for all staple commodities, with a deep specialization in pulses (e.g., lentils, chickpeas, beans).
• Identify, vet, and onboard new suppliers, both domestically and internationally, to expand the sourcing network and mitigate risk.
• Lead contract negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable terms on pricing, quality, delivery, and payment.
• Monitor and manage ongoing supplier relationships, conducting regular business reviews to ensure performance aligns with company standards.

Category Management and Market Intelligence

• Conduct in-depth market research and financial analysis on global and local pulse markets, including import/export regulations, price fluctuations, and supply trends.
• Analyze market data and internal sales performance to identify opportunities for assortment growth, cost savings, and category expansion.
• Drive innovation by identifying new products, sustainable sourcing initiatives, and opportunities to enhance product quality and offerings.

Supply Chain and Operations

• Collaborate with the supply chain, logistics, and inventory teams to ensure efficient and timely delivery of products.
• Develop robust risk mitigation strategies to address potential supply chain disruptions, such as crop failures, geopolitical events, or port delays.
• Oversee inventory management to optimize stock levels and prevent out-of-stock situations or surplus inventory.

Quality and Compliance

• Work with Quality Control teams to ensure all products comply with internal standards and external regulations.
• Stay up-to-date on global food safety, sustainability, and quality control standards and policies.
• Address and resolve quality control issues or vendor performance problems efficiently.

Leadership and Communication

• Lead and mentor a small sourcing team, providing guidance, coaching, and performance management.
• Serve as the subject matter expert on staples and pulses sourcing for the broader organization.
• Communicate sourcing strategies, performance metrics, and market insights to senior management and cross-functional stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Agriculture, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in supply chain management or strategic sourcing, with a focus on food commodities or packaged goods.
• At least 4 years of hands-on experience specifically sourcing pulses or other agricultural staples.
• Proven ability to lead complex contract negotiations and manage key vendor relationships.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency with supply chain management and sourcing software.
• Ability and willingness to travel, including international travel, to build and maintain supplier relationships.