Senior Procurement Manager - Raw Proteins, Meats, & Packaging

Smalls is seeking a Senior Procurement Manager – Raw Proteins, Meats, & Packaging to lead our efforts in sourcing raw proteins, meats, and packaging materials, including consumer-facing and direct-to-consumer (DTC) packaging. This role will be responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies to secure high-quality, sustainable, and cost-effective raw proteins, meats, and packaging materials. 

What You’ll Do:

1. Strategic Sourcing:

   • Develop and implement sourcing strategies for raw proteins, meats, and packaging materials (consumer-facing and DTC), ensuring alignment with company goals for quality, sustainability, and cost efficiency.

   • Identify and evaluate potential suppliers, conducting thorough assessments of their capabilities, quality standards, and sustainability practices.

   • Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms with suppliers to achieve optimal value while maintaining quality and supply chain resilience.

2. Supplier Relationship Management:

   • Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, fostering collaboration and ensuring consistent supply of high-quality ingredients and packaging materials.

   • Monitor supplier performance, including quality, delivery, and compliance with contractual agreements.

   • Address and resolve any supplier-related issues promptly to minimize disruptions to production.

3. Packaging Sourcing & Pricing:

   • Source and price consumer-facing packaging materials (e.g., bags, cans, boxes) and DTC packaging materials (e.g., shipping boxes, insulation, cold chain materials).

   • Collaborate with Marketing and Product Development teams to ensure packaging aligns with brand standards and customer expectations.

   • Stay informed about innovations in sustainable packaging and drive initiatives to reduce environmental impact.

4. Procurement Calendar Development:

   • Develop and maintain a comprehensive procurement calendar to ensure timely sourcing and delivery of raw proteins, meats, and packaging materials.

   • Coordinate with Production, R&D, and Marketing teams to align procurement activities with product launch schedules, promotional campaigns, and seasonal demand fluctuations.

   • Proactively identify potential bottlenecks and implement solutions to ensure on-time delivery.

5. Market Analysis & Risk Management:

   • Stay informed about global market trends, pricing fluctuations, and supply chain risks related to raw proteins, meats, and packaging materials.

   • Proactively identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure continuity of supply.

   • Conduct regular benchmarking and cost analysis to ensure competitive pricing and value.

6. Sustainability & Compliance:

   • Collaborate with internal teams to ensure all sourced ingredients and packaging materials meet regulatory requirements and company standards for quality and safety.

   • Drive initiatives to source sustainable and ethically produced raw proteins, meats, and packaging materials, aligning with the company’s commitment to environmental and social responsibility.

7. Cross-Functional Collaboration:

   • Work closely with R&D, Quality Assurance, Production, and Marketing teams to understand ingredient and packaging requirements and ensure alignment with product formulations and brand standards.

   • Partner with the Finance team to manage budgets, forecasts, and cost-saving initiatives.

   • Support new product development by sourcing innovative and high-quality ingredients and packaging materials.

What we’ll love about you:

• You have worked in procurement with perishable products. At least 5 years is preferred. Perishable pet food is a HUGE plus! 

• You have a proven track record in the role’s responsibilities:

  • You have strong supplier relationships and the ability to develop and manage a procurement calendar to ensure timely and efficient operations. 

  • You have managed and created clear documentation and SOP’s for all Procurement Processes.

  • You have a deep understanding of global protein and meat markets, packaging supply chains, and the ability to manage complex procurement processes. 

• You enjoy working in fast-paced environments, where there is always a new challenge. You understand that these environments demand high attention to detail and strong communication skills to meet ambitious deadlines.

• You know how to build and maintain trust in your working relationships with both internal and external key stakeholders. Your communication leads with empathy, especially in challenging conversations.

• You prioritize timely, clear, and kind communication. You know how crucial strong communication is when managing multiple stakeholders at varied levels of the organization.

What you’ll love about us:

• Mission-Driven Company: We love cats and we're here to make nine lives ten.

• People-Driven Company: We treat our people like people; we're committed to Smalls, and we work hard but also respect everyone’s lives outside of work.

• Data-Driven Culture: We love using data to guide decision-making where appropriate, but we also know when to move quickly and go with our gut.

• Competitive Salary: Make some $$$.

• Very Competitive Benefits: Fully paid Health, Vision, and Dental insurance. 4-day work week. Unlimited PTO.

• Fully Remote Office & Culture: Our team is spread across the US day to day, but we travel for department & company off-sites and retreats.

• Free Product: Free cat food every month.