Associate Category Manager

The Packaging Sourcing Team is looking for an Associated Category Manager to contribute to Land O’Lakes growth by supporting various Cost To Serve, Ignite Growth, and sustainability initiatives. This position will be a key liaison between LOL’s suppliers and internal stakeholders focusing on tertiary packaging and pallets.

Duty or Area of Responsibility:
 

Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)

• Extensive experience in developing and implementing supplier performance management programs, including setting KPIs, conducting regular performance reviews, and utilizing metrics to drive continuous improvement.

• Ability to identify and mitigate risks in the supply chain, including supplier financial stability, quality control issues, and supply continuity to include corrective action and escalation standards.

• Expertise in supplier development initiatives aimed at improving supplier capabilities, quality, and innovation. This includes joint development projects, sharing best practices, and supporting suppliers in achieving cost and efficiency improvements.

• Extensive experience in managing global sourcing initiatives, including identifying and developing suppliers in international markets. This includes understanding geopolitical factors, trade regulations, and cultural nuances that impact sourcing decisions and supplier relationships.

Contract Management

• In-depth knowledge of contract management, including drafting, negotiation, and enforcement of complex agreements with suppliers. Familiarity with legal and regulatory compliance issues, ensuring that contracts are in alignment with corporate policies and industry standards.

• Proven track record of successfully negotiating high-value contracts and complex agreements with suppliers. This includes expertise in negotiating pricing, terms, conditions, and service levels to secure the best possible outcomes for the company.

Financial & Price Management

• Analytical acumen in data modeling and developing and utilizing sophisticated pricing and costing models to evaluate supplier proposals, pricing, spend reports, and business trends.

• Skilled in analyzing market trends, commodity prices, and economic indicators that affect the pricing of packaging materials.

• Ability to forecast future price movements and adjust sourcing strategies accordingly to capitalize on favorable market conditions or mitigate price volatility risks.

• Demonstrated a history of cost reduction through competitive RFx, redesign, and optimization of packaging solutions.

• Experience in collaborating with suppliers and internal stakeholders to implement cost-saving initiatives.

Supply Chain Management

• Skilled in developing and integrating new supply chains, including establishing logistics, distribution, and communication protocols. Ability to manage the complexities of onboarding new suppliers, including coordinating cross-functional teams and ensuring a smooth transition.

• Expertise in evaluating the capacity and technical capabilities of new manufacturers, ensuring they can meet production demands, quality standards, and timelines. Experience in conducting site visits, audits, and technical assessments to validate supplier readiness.

• Proficient in identifying potential risks associated with new suppliers and developing comprehensive risk mitigation strategies. This includes establishing contingency plans to address potential disruptions, quality issues, or capacity constraints in the supply chain.

Required Education/Experience:

• Minimum of 5+ years of leading projects with cross-functional engagement.

• Ability to build strong internal relationships and earn the confidence of our stakeholders.

• Bachelor's Degree in supply chain, finance, or Business.

• Robust knowledge of supply chains, logistics, and supply chain workflows.

• Category and strategy development, implementation, and execution experience.

• Lead sourcing projects, RFx, and contracts.

• 5+ years of meaningful cost reduction efforts through sourcing best practices.

• Supplier management and collaboration experience.

• Effective utilization of Microsoft Excel and Power BI to manage data to drive conclusions.

• Build competent cost and price analysis when comparing bids, to include a TCO perspective.

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.