Work Shift: Day Pay Type: Salary Hourly Rate (if applicable): N/A Targeted Base Salary Range (if applicable): $103,000.00 - $133,700.00 JOB OVERVIEW: The Procurement Manager (Direct) is a key member of the Procurement team, reporting directly to the Director of Procurement. This role is responsible for strategic sourcing, managing supplier quality, developing supplier strategies, enhancing category resilience, conducting economic forecasting, and evaluating the total cost of ownership. Additionally, the Procurement Manager (Direct) contributes to cost savings initiatives and oversees a Senior Procurement Specialist (Direct). RESPONSIBILITIES: ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Management: Lead the development and execution of strategic sourcing strategies for direct categories. Manage supplier quality, including performance monitoring and improvement initiatives. Develop and implement supplier strategies to enhance category resilience and drive cost savings. Category and Economic Management: Conduct economic forecasting and assess total cost of ownership for assigned categories. Analyze market trends and spend data to support procurement decisions. Develop and implement solutions, strategies, and governance for global direct category buying practices. Process Improvement and Compliance: Drive efficiency across assigned categories with a focus on supplier performance management. Ensure continuous improvement in procurement practices and compliance with best practices globally. Sustain and enforce implemented procurement best practices across the global procurement community. Strategic Communication and Leadership: Clearly communicate procurement activities and strategies to senior management. Lead the strategic sourcing process, including spend analysis, market research, negotiation, RFX processes, and contracting. Oversee the supplier performance management process to ensure optimal terms and conditions. Relationship Management: Support strategic relationship management (SRM) with key suppliers to create competitive advantages for the organization. Foster strong relationships with suppliers to ensure high-quality service and value. Supplier performance management including driving QBRs, DBR’s and contract adherence Establish and implement procurement policies with suppliers to ensure quality, delivery, and cost improvement Create, negotiate, and administer legal agreements as assigned External Manufacturing Contracts: Oversee the creation, negotiation, and management of external manufacturing contracts. Collaborate with legal and other departments to ensure contracts meet company standards and business needs. Monitor and manage the performance of external manufacturing partners to ensure compliance and quality. Market Intelligence: Conduct comprehensive market research to stay informed about industry trends, market conditions, and supplier landscapes. Analyze market data and trends to support procurement strategies and decision-making. Leverage market intelligence to identify opportunities for cost reduction and competitive advantage. MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS Bachelor's Degree 10 years Diverse procurement experience managing spends in direct, indirect, and capital expense is preferred In-depth knowledge of E-Suite (e-procurement, e-auctions, e-sourcing, e-catalogs). Excellent project management and cross functional team leadership skills Ability to drive aggressive implementation plans and schedules Must be able to problem solve and handle multiple tasks effectively Replenishment and knowledge of how MRP works Total minimum number of years of experience required in lieu of degree ( 18 or more years PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES MS suite: excel, word, project, presentation SAP / Ariba SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS 1-5 PHYSICAL DEMANDS Able to sit for long hours Some inter-company travel WORK ENVIRONMENT Office environment WHY BLUE DIAMOND? In addition to working at the world’s largest, state-of-the-art almond manufacturer, we offer a safe and collaborative team environment, with numerous opportunities for free training and career advancement. Check out the BDG Benefits, Health & Wellness Guide HERE . Grow your career. Partner with us. We Are the Almond People! Ready to get started? Apply now! Blue Diamond Growers (BDG) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. BDG provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, or genetic information. BDG also complies with all provisions of the U.S. Government's Executive Order 11246 dated September 24, 1965 and the rules, regulations and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor. Introduce yourself to our recruiters and we'll get in touch if there's a role that seems like a good match. About Blue Diamond In 1910 a cooperative of 230 California almond growers formed with the following core values: To build strong relationships among growers and with their customers; To communicate directly and honestly; and To work as a team to realize the best return on their investment. More than a century later, Blue Diamond Growers still adheres to these values at every level of our operation. Our employees are strongly committed to the brand and to each other - the word "family" is often used to describe our culture. Today, Blue Diamond Growers represents more than 3,000 almond growers in California - the state that provides over 80% of the world's supply. We are one of the most recognized food brands in the world, with annual sales exceeding $1billion. We believe in transparency and honest communication. Our work style is team-based, working together to innovate, process, and distribute the best almond products to the world. After more than 100 years, our core values of integrity, partnership, innovation and quality remain strong. Our commitment to excellence has driven Blue Diamond's unprecedented growth, innovation, high quality, and value. You'll find these values at work throughout our company. We strive for a diverse workforce, always aiming for greater levels of inclusion. In addition to a robust benefits package, we offer an employee wellness and fitness program, in which a majority of our workforce currently participates.