Procurement Manager, Ingredients

Simple Mills is on a mission to transform the way food is made—creating nourishing products with astounding ingredients and amazing taste. Founded in 2012 by Katlin Smith, our brand has redefined center-aisle grocery by delivering better-for-you products made with unique, nutrient-dense ingredients. Today, we’re a category leader and the #1 natural brand in multiple segments, with distribution in over 30,000 stores nationwide.

Now, as part of Flowers Foods , we’re entering an exciting new phase of growth—expanding our reach, accelerating innovation, and amplifying brand awareness, all while preserving the integrity of what makes Simple Mills special. Our commitment to using simple, high-quality ingredients ensures that every bite is both delicious and nutritious. Whether it’s watermelon seed flour in our cookies or butternut squash in our crackers, we craft our products with innovative, wholesome ingredients that deliver extraordinary taste.

Our work has been recognized by Fast Company as a Brand That Matters and a Most Innovative Company , and has been featured in Vogue, Forbes, Women’s Health , and NPR’s How I Built This . In 2024, Inc. named us one of its Best Workplaces , reflecting our dedication to fostering an inspiring and inclusive environment where passionate individuals can make a difference.

Join us as we shape the future of food. Learn more at .

Role Description

The Procurement Manager, Ingredients, will play a key role on the Procurement, Supply Chain, and Operations teams.

This role will support Simple Mills’ continued growth through the execution of sourcing strategies, supplier management, and cross-functional collaboration.

The position will report to the Procurement Director, Ingredients and responsibilities will include: 

• Execute sourcing and category plans for assigned ingredient categories, ensuring alignment with cost objectives, quality standards, and sustainability goals. 

• Manage supplier interactions including day-to-day communications, performance tracking, and coordination of periodic business reviews. 

• Hands-on execution of material planning for assigned categories, including purchase order placement and inventory reconciliation at co-manufacturers, ensuring timely procurement of materials. 

• Develop and manage material planning strategies to ensure adequate inventory levels across the network. 

• Collaborate with Operations, Finance, Quality, and R&D to translate internal business needs into procurement action. 

• Contribute to Simple Mills’ People & Planet Mission by integrating sustainability and regenerative sourcing principles into procurement practices. 

• Leverage spend analytics and budget forecasts to inform sourcing decisions and identify cost-saving opportunities. 

• Monitor commodity markets, supplier landscapes, and industry trends to inform purchasing decisions and risk mitigation planning. 

• Support RFP/RFI processes and assist in vendor evaluation and selection activities. 

• Maintain procurement documentation including contracts, pricing trackers, forecasts, and supplier scorecards. 

• Identify and support process improvements, including enhancements to ERP systems and automation of routine purchasing activities. 

• Assist with monthly budget cycles, forecasting, invoice resolution, and cost variance analysis. 

• Performs other projects as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Food Science, or related field required

• 4+ years of procurement or supply chain experience, preferably within food & beverage, CPG, or ingredient categories.

• Proven track record in ingredient sourcing, supplier relationship management, and vendor evaluation.

• Strong knowledge of commodity markets, category management, and risk mitigation strategies.

• Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Oracle) and advanced Excel skills; experience with spend analytics and forecasting tools preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to manage purchase orders, inventory planning, and material reconciliation across a distributed network.

• Experience with contract management, RFP/RFI processes, and cost-saving initiatives.

• Familiarity with sustainability and regenerative agriculture principles and ability to integrate them into sourcing practices.

• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and ability to manage documentation (contracts, forecasts, supplier scorecards, pricing trackers).

• Analytical problem-solver with initiative to drive process improvements and ERP/automation enhancements.

Intrinsic qualities we hope to find in our new team member:

• Self-starter with a proactive mindset
• Strong follow-through and accountability without needing micromanagement
• Resourceful, curious, and eager to learn
• Positive attitude and team-first mindset
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment with shifting priorities.

Working at Simple Mills

At Simple Mills, we’re not just building a brand—we’re leading a movement that’s transforming how food is made and enjoyed. If you’re passionate about purpose-driven work and crave a role where you can have a meaningful impact, this is your chance to be part of something bigger.

Why Join Us?

• Be a Change-Maker
  Play a key role in redefining the food industry, crafting products that nourish people and contribute to a healthier planet.

• Thrive in a Mission-Driven Community
  Work alongside a dynamic team of innovators and food lovers who are committed to positive change and bold ideas.

• A Workplace Where You Belong
  We foster an environment where every voice is heard, valued, and empowered. Inclusion and belonging are at the heart of our culture, ensuring that everyone can thrive.

• A Culture of Integrity and Impact
  We don’t just talk about doing good—we live it. Our team is committed to ethical practices, responsible sourcing, and making decisions that drive real, positive change.

• Grow with People-First Leadership
  Our supportive leadership team is dedicated to mentorship, collaboration, and your long-term success
• Continuous Learning & Development
  Whether through hands-on training, innovative learning platforms, or career growth opportunities, we invest in your professional development.

At Simple Mills, you’ll have the chance to make an impact while working in a collaborative and inspiring environment. If you’re ready to shape the future of food, let’s talk.

Benefits

We recognize that our people are our greatest asset. That’s why we offer a highly competitive total rewards package designed to support your financial well-being, health, and overall quality of life. 

• Competitive Compensation: This role offers a salary range of $100,000 - $115,000
• Performance-Based Bonuses: Eligible for an annual bonus based on individual and company performance, calculated at the end of the fiscal year.

• Comprehensive Health & Financial Benefits: Robust medical, dental, and vision plans, along with a 401(k) retirement plan to support your long-term financial security. 

• Work-Life Flexibility: Enjoy the freedom to thrive both professionally and personally with unlimited PTO, Live Full Fridays (where afternoons are yours to recharge), and a three-week sabbatical after five years of service—because we believe your best work happens when you have the time to rest and refocus.

• Health & Wellness Perks: Lifestyle stipends and exclusive product perks to enhance your well-being—because your health and happiness matter. 

We’re committed to taking care of our people—so you can focus on making an impact. 

Work Model at Simple Mills

Our work model is role-dependent, and team focused. With remote, hybrid, or in-office positions, each role is classified by what best supports the needs of the team.

• This position will be hybrid: a balance of in-person and virtual work. Hybrid employees will work from our Chicago, IL office at least once per week. When working remotely, employees must work from a designated location in the United States (the new hire’s permanent residence, as documented in our HR System, Rippling) with sufficient internet access to support video conferencing. Safety protocols in accordance with CDC recommendations are followed.

At Simple Mills, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and inclusion. Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, past or present military service, physical or mental disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of business need, job requirements, and individual qualifications. #LI-DNI

Simple Mills is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Simple Mills will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [email protected] .