Products & Materials Procurement Manager

ABOUT THE GROUP

From a small store in Turin to a large, internationally recognized group: we are present in 90 countries around the world, with over 4,000 employees and 30 companies, managed directly and indirectly by the Luigi Lavazza Spa parent company, which distribute and market our products and coffee machines. In addition to Lavazza, the following brands are also part of our Group: Carte Noire, Merrild, Kicking Horse, Eraclea and Whittington tea.

Joining Lavazza means doing business with passion, knowing that the impact of our work goes beyond the quality of the production chain. We are a big family and we are constantly looking for new talents who share our values and can enrich our team.  We combine competitiveness with social and environmental responsibility as we create superior quality products available for consumption both at home and out of home, and distributed through all channels: Retail, Foodservice, Office Coffee Service (OCS), and Vending. Our strong, diversified presence enables us to offer consumers and clients perfectly suited solutions, for any occasion and time of day.

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OVERVIEW

At Lavazza North America, the Products & Materials Procurement Manager will be responsible for managing the procurement group within the products & materials category area. This involves collaborating with relevant stakeholders to understand internal business needs and the overall procurement objectives and targets, conducting category market analysis and intelligence, and defining a category management strategy accordingly. The Products & Materials Procurement Manager will manage supplier strategic sourcing, supplier relationship, and contracting and oversee purchase-to-pay processes of the category, with the ultimate goal of ensuring compliance with regulations and both internal and external standards. Finally, the role requires keeping track of KPIs and metrics to check budget vs actual spending progress and providing reports to the North America VP of Quality & Procurement.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the category area and collaborate with relevant stakeholders of other departments (e.g., Operations, R&D) to clearly understand business needs and overall procurement objectives and targets, including budget constraints.
• Performs an external market analysis relative to the managed category, gathering insights on the external context in terms of global/industry, overview dynamics and trends, market size, supplier analysis, competitors’ analysis, product portfolio analysis, pricing, and cost drivers.
• Performs an internal analysis relatively the managed category, providing an overview of the supplier base, analyzing spending history, and identifying key spending suppliers.
• Performs a risk assessment and relative impact on the managed category to identify gaps and threats.
• Defines and develops the category management strategy in line with internal needs, identifying a set of priorities on a medium/long term span, detailing the cost saving opportunities, mitigating risks, ensuring quality and competitiveness.
• Manages supplier strategic sourcing, including supplier scouting, evaluation and selection based on category market analysis and intelligence, and defined metrics and requirements from the applicant department (e.g., pricing, packaging requirements, product specifications and performance, delivery schedules, quantity), as well as contract negotiation and finalization.
• Manages supplier relationship and contracting, identifying areas of improvement based on performance feedback and results, defining supplier development activities, and managing contract lifecycle.
• Oversees Purchase-to-Pay processes of the category, ensuring compliance with purchasing policies, procedures, and priorities, orders are completed timely and accurately, effective purchase orders lifecycle management including eventual amendments or cancellations, and reviewing and approving category purchase orders within a specified spending range.
• Ensures category procurement processes comply with relevant regulations with both internal and external standards, monitoring changing regulatory requirements related to sourcing, sustainability, fair trade, labor practices, and product safety.
• Provide guidance and support for procurement issues in the category, addressing relevant issues and implementing preventive actions.
• Keeps track of KPIs and metrics to check budget vs actual spending progress of the category, providing reports to senior management of the category area.
• Manage, develop, and coach a team Strategic Category Buyers. Handle retention, performance management, resource scheduling and planning, capability and skill development, and career development.
• Collaborate with HQ to write and realize the categories playbook.
• Performs other related duties and assignments as required.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree required in Business Administration, Finance, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or related field; MBA a plus
• 5 - 7 years of years of successful leadership experience in relevant industry
• Strong financial acumen to understand business needs for cash flow, working capital, and profitability
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with a proven ability to inspire and drive a high-performing global procurement team
• Exceptional negotiation and contract management capabilities
• Experience with ERP and MRP systems
• Strong alignment and collaboration skills to communicate vision and gain alignment with senior management both internally and externally
• Ability to influence and drive measurable change to purchasing behavior across the varying business units
• Ability to negotiate, manage and complete complex, long-term contracts, and short-term consulting engagements
• Excellent organization, prioritization, project management, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to exercise good judgment in interacting with internal customers and external suppliers
• Strong research, writing, and communication skills
• An eagerness to learn, personable demeanor, and demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively amongst colleagues, and across all levels of management

PHYSICAL/TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Up to 10% of domestic and international travel may be required

BENEFITS/PERKS

• Competitive Medical, Vision, Dental Benefits 
• 401K Package 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Onsite Cafeteria and Gym (West Chester location)
• Hybrid Work Schedule 
• Ability to be barista certified
• Monthly Lunches provided by Lavazza
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Performance Development Plans 
• Employee Discounts 
• Flexible business casual dress code - jean friendly! 
• Free coffee, anytime!

 
Lavazza is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Lavazza prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.