Director of Procurement- Food/Ingredients

Job Title:

• Director of Procurement

Location:

• Romeoville

Department:

• Supply Chain

Reporting to:

• CEO

Key Accountabilities:

• Great Kitchens Food Company is a leading private label pizza manufacturer, serving major retailers across North America. Known for our quality, innovation, and scalability, we specialize in crafting high-quality frozen pizzas with premium ingredients and operational excellence. Seeking a strategic and hands-on Director of Procurement to lead our purchasing operations and drive cost and supply chain efficiencies.

Position Summary:

• The Director of Procurement will oversee procurement strategy, purchasing, sourcing execution, and supplier performance for all key materials required in pizza manufacturing — including meats, cheese, crust/wheat, sauces, vegetables, and packaging components. This role will be responsible for ensuring cost-effective purchasing, reliable supply, and supplier compliance in support of operational and growth objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Category Sourcing Leadership:

Lead procurement for all direct materials used in frozen pizza manufacturing, including.1. Proteins (pepperoni, sausage, chicken) 2. Dairy (mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan) 3. Wheat and crusts 4. Vegetables 5. Sauces and toppings 6. Packaging (film, corrugate, shrink, paperboard)

• Cost Management & Savings:

Develop and execute sourcing strategies that deliver measurable cost savings while maintaining quality and service standards. Analyze commodity trends and proactively adjust purchasing strategies.

• Supplier Management:

Build and maintain strong supplier partnerships. Conduct supplier evaluations, monitor KPIs, and ensure adherence to quality, food safety, and service standards.

• Risk & Supply Assurance:

Mitigate risks related to supply disruptions, quality, pricing volatility, and regulatory compliance. Develop contingency plans and maintain multi-source options.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Work closely with Operations, R&D, Quality, Finance, and Commercial teams to support new product launches, productivity initiatives, and customer programs.

• Team Development:

Lead and mentor a small team of procurement professionals and buyers. Foster a high-performance, data-driven procurement culture.

• Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Food Science, or related field (MBA or CPSM a plus)

• 10+ years of progressive procurement experience in food manufacturing, with at least 3–5 years in a leadership capacity

• Experience sourcing perishable ingredients and packaging in a frozen or ready-to-eat food category

• Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier development skills

• Proficiency in ERP and procurement systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards)

• Understanding of regulatory and quality requirements (FDA, USDA, GFSI, SQF)

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Office environment

Food Safety/Quality

• *Report any issues regarding food safety or quality to supervision and/or quality assurance.*

• Report any risks or any evidence of unsafe or out-of-specification product, equipment, packaging or raw materials to a designated manager to enable the resolution of issues requiring immediate attention.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

I have reviewed this job description and I understand all my job duties and responsibilities. I am able to perform the essential functions as outlined.I understand that my job may change on a temporary or regular basis according to the needs of my location or department without it being specifically included in the job description.If I have any questions about job duties not specified on this description that I am asked to perform, I should discuss them with my immediate supervisor or a member of the Human Resources Team.I further understand that future performance evaluations and merit increases to my pay are based on my ability to perform the duties and responsibilities outlined in this job description to the satisfaction of my immediate supervisor.I have discussed any questions I may have had about this job description prior to signing this form.

You should be proficient in:

• Supplier Management
• Food and Beverage Manufacturing
• FDA Regulations
• Sourcing and Procurement Experience
• Supplier Negotiation Experience
• Experience in a Manufacturing Environment