The Director of Procurement’s key responsibilities will include building and standardizing sourcing and procurement processes, implementing and improving procurement systems and tools, executing strategic sourcing initiatives, and fostering relationships with key suppliers. The Director of Procurement will be a key member of cross-functional teams tasked with identifying and implementing cost reduction projects for all Footprint facilities globally (United States, Mexico, Poland, and contract manufacturing partners). This role will provide functional guidance and support to the site Procurement teams at each Footprint manufacturing facility and will directly manage a small team focused on strategic sourcing across all direct & indirect categories.
Requirements
Examples of key duties are interpreted as being descriptive and not restrictive in nature. Incumbents routinely perform approximately 80% of the duties below.
Strategic Sourcing:
- Partner with internal stakeholder groups (Operations, Engineering, Quality, etc.) to understand technical, regulatory, and quality requirements for goods or services to be sourced
- Utilize market intelligence resources to identify potential suppliers, assess market trends, and build should-cost models
- Conduct routine spend analysis to identify pricing/volume trends and potential sourcing targets
- Build and execute Requests for Proposal (RFPs) to collect supplier proposals, then utilize analytical skills to diligently analyze each component of the proposal
- Lead supplier negotiations and contracting to maximize value to Footprint via cost reductions, payment term improvements, and other commercial or technical benefits.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to qualify and on-board new suppliers
- Partner with local plant Procurement personnel to ensure negotiated terms are adhered to post-award
- Routinely track and report on cost savings achieved through strategic sourcing initiatives
- Identify and mitigate risks associated with sourcing activities, including supply chain disruptions and supplier insolvency.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to define Service-level Agreements and Key Performance Indicators for suppliers and measure the appropriate criteria (i.e. on-time delivery, cost reduction, quality, etc.)
- Actively pursue cost optimization through reducing consumption and eliminating waste in the manufacturing process
Contract Management
- Lead negotiations and implementation of contractual agreements (Master Service Agreements, Supply Agreements, etc.) in partnership with internal and external partners. Manage business and supply risks with appropriate legal terms and conditions and ensure compliance with approved contract structures.
Metrics & Reporting
- Design and put in place a performance management process, establishing metrics to manage and measure success of the Procurement function. Develop and manage sourcing scorecards and dashboards for use by internal business partners as well as suppliers. Maintain and continuously improve categorization of global spend cube for spend under management.
Financial Oversight
- Assist the Finance organization in the development of the annual Operating Plan (budget), providing all required cost inputs and relevant market intelligence (i.e. commodity pricing forecasts)
- Track & monitor adherence to the Operating Plan on a regular basis, updating year-to-go forecasts with the latest pricing and commodity information
Technology Leadership
- Continue the expansion of Footprint’s agentic-AI procurement tool(s) to additional use cases across the greater Supply Chain
- Represent the Procurement organization on all future ERP enhancement projects
People Leadership:
- Provide leadership and functional development for Strategic Sourcing personnel
- Serve as the dotted-line leader to the site Procurement teams
Benefits
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, prescription, dental, and vision care plans as well as HSA / FSA accounts.
- Insurance Protection: Basic term life, accidentals, short- and long-term disability, and voluntary life insurance coverage.
- Financial Security: Short and long-term disability plans, along with a 401(k) retirement plan.
- Time Off Support: Flexible time off program, paid holidays, sick leave, and parental leave benefits.
- Lifestyle Benefit: Voluntary Pet Insurance.
Skills Required
- Experience in strategic sourcing and procurement processes
- Strong analytical skills for spend analysis and proposal evaluation
- Experience in leading supplier negotiations and managing contracts
- Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet sourcing needs
- Leadership experience in managing a procurement team
What We Do
Footprint is a materials science company that is focused on reducing or eliminating single-use plastics through the development and manufacturing of revolutionary technologies, initially focusing on bio-based reinforced polymers and the design, development and implementation of next generation manufacturing technologies for fiber based packaging solutions. Our primary focus is on delivering plastic replacement, reduction and elimination solutions that compete with plastic on cost and performance.
