Manager of Procurement- Meat Manufacturing

Position Summary

The Manager of Procurement is responsible for leading all sourcing, purchasing, and supplier management functions for a meat manufacturing operation. This role ensures a consistent, cost-effective, and high-quality supply of raw materials (livestock, primal cuts, ingredients), packaging, and indirect goods while maintaining compliance with food safety, regulatory, and animal welfare standards. The Manager will drive strategic sourcing initiatives, optimize vendor relationships, and support operational efficiency across production, warehousing, and distribution.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and execute procurement strategies aligned with production demands, cost targets, and company growth objectives

Source and negotiate contracts for livestock, meat products, ingredients, packaging, and indirect supplies

Build and maintain strong relationships with ranchers, processors, distributors, and key vendors

Monitor market trends (commodity pricing, seasonality, supply chain risks) and adjust purchasing strategies accordingly

Ensure continuity of supply while minimizing cost volatility and shortages

Oversee inventory planning in coordination with operations to balance freshness, yield, and waste reduction

Lead cost-reduction initiatives, including vendor consolidation, contract optimization, and alternative sourcing

Ensure all suppliers meet USDA, FDA, and food safety (HACCP, SQF/BRC) requirements

Collaborate with Quality Assurance to approve and audit suppliers

Implement and maintain procurement systems, reporting, and KPIs (cost savings, supplier performance, fill rates)

Manage and develop the procurement team, including buyers and planners

Partner with finance on budgeting, forecasting, and cost analysis

Support sustainability and animal welfare sourcing initiatives where applicable

Qualifications

Bachelors degree in Supply Chain, Business, Agriculture, or related field (MBApreferred)

710+ years of procurement experience, with at least 35 years in a leadership role

Direct experience in meat, food manufacturing, or perishable goods required

Strong knowledge of protein markets, commodity purchasing, and yield management

Experience negotiating large-scale supplier contracts

Familiarity with food safety regulations (USDA, FDA, HACCP, SQF/BRC)

Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and procurement analytics tools

Strong leadership, negotiation, and decision-making skills

Key Competencies

Strategic sourcing and cost management

Supplier relationship management

Risk mitigation and supply continuity planning

Data-driven decision making

Cross-functional collaboration (Operations, QA, Finance, Sales)

Knowledge of cold chain and perishable inventory management

Work Environment

Combination of office and plant environment

Regular interaction with production floor and cold storage areas

Occasional travel to supplier sites, farms, and processing facilities

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience (80K - 120K)

Performance-based bonus structure

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays