Manager, Produce Sourcing Jobs

Job Purpose

At Panera, we believe in “One Panera for a Healthier, Happier World” and our procurement team is an integral part to ensuring that this mission comes to life in our cafes. The Manger of Produce Sourcing leads the procurement strategy for the produce category, overseeing approximately $70 million in annual spend. This leader will be an expert in the produce market, analyzing trends, mitigating supply risk based on forecasted demand, actively developing deep relationships with current and potential suppliers, working cross-collaboratively with culinary, QA, and other key internal groups, and executing a strategic produce procurement plan to ensure that Panera obtains the highest quality produce at a competitive price.

Personal competencies for success include the ability to master both strategic and operational issues, efficiently manage multiple competing priorities, exhibit outstanding teamwork and collaboration skills, possess excellent communication, negotiation and relationship skills, and the demonstrated ability to manage through transformational change.

Duties & Responsibilities

The Manager of Produce Sourcing will be the lead on all Produce procurement at Panera. This leader will directly manage our Produce category:

Category Management

• Fully understand and lead Produce category by deep subject matter knowledge in:

1. Commodity expertise
2. Cost drivers
3. Usage and forecasts
4. New product development

• Develop and own the category food cost plan; monitor and maintain performance for the year
• Work together with cross-functional partners such as QA, Operations, Culinary, Finance to provide project visibility and allow for cross functional alignment and execution of Sourcing projects
• Recognize, cultivate, and lead cost savings measures to the system and Panera LLC
• Negotiate the lowest price based on based on deploying the most profitable response to our demand in consideration of our product specifications, quality, service levels, and industry conditions

Supplier Management

• Conduct and lead regular business review sessions with our supplier partners in order to inform and align them with Panera’s strategy for managed products
• Coordinate the execution of new product (permanent or LTO) introductions in the Panera system—taking into account production lead times, MOQs, and contingency
• Develop and ensure up to date management of supplier contingency plans and strategy in the event the primary supplier is unable to performs as required (quality, delivery, spec adherence, etc)
• Actively solicit supplier performance feedback from Team Panera
• Enhance supplier development by communicating Team Panera’s performance standards measures, develop joint improvement initiatives (product, process, etc) as needed
• Grow, maintain, and establish strong supplier business relationships
• Coordinate with Panera’s Supply Management team in determining optimal supplier locations and delivery methods
• Ensure we have supplier contracts and pricing agreements detailing costs and pricing methodology

Qualifications (Education & Experience)

• 5+ years of experience Procurement, Supply Chain, or Strategic Sourcing strongly preferred
• 5+ years of Produce Procurement or equivalent is required with at least 5 years of >$50M spend oversight
• Demonstrated contract negotiation experience with positive financial and supply outcomes
• College degree in Business, Supply Chain, or an associated Field and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required

Additional Skills and Experience

• Financial understanding of company and department measures
• Exceptional critical thinking skills with strategic mindset
• Ability to adapt easily to rapidly changing situations and priorities. Comfortable adjusting concepts to fit new situations.
• Comfortable delivering feedback to both supplier partners and internal partners while maintaining a good relationship and leading to effective results

Working Conditions

• Required travel ~ 15%

Physical Requirements

• While performing this job, the incumbent is regularly required to stand, sit, talk hear & use hands and fingers to operate keyboards

Direct Reports

• This position will initially function as a key individual contributor with strong influencing relationships across the Organization. Future direct reports may be required depending upon organizational design.