Director of Strategic Sourcing and Partnerships

Company OverviewKanzen Meal U.S.A. is a forward-thinking nutrition company focused on delivering complete, convenient, and high-quality meal solutions. As a subsidiary of Nissin Foods Holdings (Japan), we are expanding our footprint in the U.S. market through innovation, strategic partnerships, and operational excellence.Position SummaryThe Director of Strategic Sourcing and Partnerships will lead the sourcing and procurement of raw materials and packaging, while managing relationships with co-manufacturing partners to ensure the efficient and cost-effective production of finished goods. Internal coordination is also key, working especially close with R&D. This role is central to achieving our cost-of-goods-sold (COGS) objectives and maintaining supply chain agility in a rapidly evolving consumer packaged goods (CPG) landscape.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Sourcing & Procurement- Develop and execute procurement strategies for raw materials and packaging aligned with company COGS targets.- Collaborate with co-manufacturing partners to coordinate procurement of materials used in finished goods production.- Monitor market trends, commodity pricing, and supply risks to inform sourcing decisions.Supplier & Partner Management- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and co-manufacturers.- Negotiate contracts and pricing agreements to ensure favorable terms and long-term value.- Evaluate supplier performance and implement continuous improvement initiatives.- Collaborate closely with partners to maintain ‘Nissin standards’ both from quality and safety perspectivesCost Management & Forecasting- Track and manage procurement costs across the supply chain.- Support budgeting and forecasting processes with accurate cost modeling.- Identify cost-saving opportunities through strategic sourcing and process optimization.Operational Excellence- Ensure procurement processes comply with internal policies and external regulations.- Implement procurement technologies and tools to improve efficiency and transparency.- Lead risk mitigation efforts related to supply continuity and quality assurance.Cross-Functional Collaboration- Collaborate internally with the R&D team and act as the liaison between R&D and co-manufacturers in planning and production of finished goods.- Work closely with the Director of Supply Chain to support the total operational plan for Kanzen Meal.- Procure raw materials for the R&D team as needed to support new item innovation.- Be proactive in implementing new methods, ideas, other means of managerial tools as Kanzen Meal expands its businessRequired Qualifications- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field.- 7+ years of experience in procurement or supply chain roles, preferably in the CPG or food industry.- Proven success in managing supplier relationships and co-manufacturing partnerships.- Strong negotiation, analytical, and financial modeling skills.- Familiarity with ERP systems and procurement software.- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Microsoft Teams)Preferred Qualifications- Master’s degree or professional certifications (e.g., CPSM, CSCP, CIPS).- Experience with sustainable sourcing and Scope 3 emissions tracking.- Knowledge of regulatory requirements in food manufacturing and packaging.Industry Trends to Consider- Digital Procurement Tools: Increasing adoption of AI and predictive analytics for demand planning and supplier risk assessment.- Co-Manufacturing Growth: Rising reliance on third-party manufacturers for scalability and flexibility.- Sustainability & Transparency: Growing consumer and regulatory demand for ethical sourcing and environmental accountability.- Resilient Supply Chains: Emphasis on supplier diversification and nearshoring to mitigate geopolitical and climate-related risks.Salary$100k～$120k/year + bonus