Client: $100mm Division of $20B (International Food Company)
Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid)...close to train station
Title: Head of Procurement
Pay: $80 - $100 per hour
Duration: 6+ months
Contract to Hire Optional: Yes
Overview
The Head of Procurement is a key strategic leader responsible for sourcing ingredients, packaging, and materials needed to support large-scale food production and distribution. This role develops procurement strategies, manages supplier partnerships, ensures regulatory compliance, and drives cost savings and operational efficiency.
Responsibilities
- Build and execute procurement strategies that ensure timely and cost-effective acquisition of raw materials and packaging
- Negotiate contracts, manage supplier relationships, and evaluate vendor performance
- Monitor market trends to uncover savings opportunities and improvement initiatives
- Conduct risk assessments and establish contingency plans for supply chain disruptions
- Prepare and manage procurement budgets, forecasts, reporting, and long-term planning
- Ensure all purchasing activities adhere to food safety standards, regulatory requirements, and internal specifications
- Partner with Quality and R&D teams to maintain accurate ingredient and packaging requirements
- Lead sustainability-focused procurement efforts aligned with company goals
Experience
- 10+ years of progressive procurement experience, ideally within food manufacturing or consumer packaged goods
- Demonstrated success in vendor management, contract negotiation, and sourcing strategy
- Experience with food safety regulations
- Prior leadership experience overseeing procurement initiatives at a senior or director level
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, Food Science, or related field required
- MBA or advanced degree preferred
