Director, Strategic Supplier Alliances & Procurement

Land O’Lakes Corporate Headquarters is located in Arden Hills, MN, however this position can be remote (virtual) and located anywhere in the USA

Position Overview

The Director of Procurement and Strategic Supplier Alignment is a senior leadership role responsible for leading and optimizing the crop protection & seed procurement team, ensuring strong business alignment across WinField United’s partnered suppliers. The Director of Procurement and Strategic Supplier Alignment is responsible for leading and executing strategic transformation initiatives in alignment with WinField United’s Vital Few core values. This position oversees the optimization of cost-effective product sourcing and ensures high-quality supplier performance. Additionally, this position leads negotiations to enhance product and supplier profitability, mitigating risk of exposed inventory and price changes, and cash management opportunities. Leadership over team coaching needs, and approvals within internal meetings and planning processes.

Job Scope:

• Connection with the leadership of the Big 6 multi-national manufacturers (BASF, Bayer, Corteva, Syngenta, FMC, Valent), who represent over $7 billion or approximately 75% of the total US Crop Protection market.

• Seed Purchases

• Raw ingredient purchases for our proprietary portfolio including: Herbicides, Insecticides, Fungicides, Seed Treatments, Adjuvants and Micronutrients Purchases

• All procurement activities in support of $10M in gross sales for Winfield United

Key Responsibilities:

40 % Perform initiatives

• Ownership and execution of contract negotiations, quarterly stockings, vendor prepay, and inventory management simultaneously ensuring compliance with terms and conditions.

• Nurture relationships with the Big 6 multi-national manufacturers and our key Post Patent suppliers. Identify and evaluate potential suppliers, ensuring they meet WFU standards of quality, cost, and delivery.

• Raw ingredient purchases for our Proprietary portfolio including: Herbicides, Insecticides, Fungicides, Seed Treatments, Adjuvants and Micronutrients Purchases

• All procurement activities in support of $10M in gross sales for Winfield United

30% Transform initiatives

• Redesign Supplier Incentives, global procurement, and encompass steering.

• Continuous development and deployment of the procurement strategy in alignment with WFU goals and vital few strategic imperatives ensuring cost savings, quality, and efficiency.

• Ensures sourcing methodologies are aligned with the global and regional strategy of the organization.

• Maintain broad knowledge of all category and commodity sourcing needs specific to different regions and serves as the sourcing point of contact.

• Foster a strong industry network with both multinational and Post Patent suppliers.

30% Leadership and Talent Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the procurement team consisting of six direct reports.

• Influence through others: Leadership guidance and approvals within internal meetings and planning processes.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including but not limited to finance, marketing, sales, operations, HR and product development.

• Collaborate with key retail partners such as AAD, SRA members, etc.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement that exemplifies the five Land O’Lakes leadership competencies: Ownership, Decisiveness, Courage, Innovation, and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance or related field is required. MS or PhD preferred but not required.

• Minimum of 20 years of experience in procurement, supply chain management, or a related field. At least 5 years of experience managing teams and supplier relationships preferred. Seeking an experienced procurement and/or Strategic Account executive.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

• Proven ability to coordinate and collaborate with multiple stakeholders and to influence at all levels.

This role demands the ability to build trust, influence and inspire through others, and the courage to engage in crucial conversations. This role requires a strategic, transformation mindset, the ability to foster a collaborative culture, and the ownership to lead and embrace change. Effective communication skills are crucial to navigate the complexities of the crop protection and seed procurement sector while driving impactful outcomes for Land O’Lakes.

Location: This role is remote/virtual and can be done from anywhere in the United States.

Travel: 30% or more (daily, extended hours and some overnight stays) to Arden Hills, MN.

The salary range for this role is $179,040-$335,700.

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About Land O'Lakes, Inc.

Join us and be part of a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and to the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.

We provide a broad portfolio of benefits to keep you and your family at your best. Land O'Lakes is Where Your Future Takes Root.

Land O'Lakes, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) M/F/Vets/Disabled. The company maintains a drug-free workforce, including post-employment substance abuse testing pursuant to a Drug and Alcohol Policy.

Neither Land O’Lakes, nor its search firms, will ever contact you and ask for confidential information over the phone or in email. If you receive a call or email like this, please do not provide the information being requested.