COMPANY OVERVIEW: Robertet is the world's leading source of natural, sustainable, and organic ingredients and is one of the oldest fragrance and flavor companies in the world. Robertet is a world-renowned innovator in scent and taste with a global reach represented in over 50 countries, 14 manufacturing sites on 3 continents, 3 R&D innovation centers and 12 creative centers. Robertet is the only fragrance, flavor and ingredient company fully integrated at each step of the creation process, from the source ingredient to the final fragrance and flavor. Founded in 1850 in Grasse, France, Robertet continues to be privately owned and managed by the fourth generation of family members. With a passion for and unparalleled understanding of naturals, together with boundless creativity and market insight, allows Robertet to provide their customers with world-class innovation in scent and taste.SUMMARY: Responsible for direct and indirect procurement of raw materials, packaging, and MRO which are essential to business operations. Develop and implement purchasing strategies in alignment with directives from the North American Purchasing Director, US Executive Leadership Team, and Global Purchasing Team. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Responsible for all sourcing and procurement activities for raw materials, packaging, and MRO.
- Supervise direct reports to ensure accountability regarding working hours, task fulfillment, purchasing prioritization and information exchange.
- Lead and develop the team to deliver unparalleled customer service.
- Provide leadership, training, and career development opportunities for the department team.
- Collaborate closely with the Raw Material Planning team to ensure alignment between purchasing strategies and inventory requirements, optimizing supply chain efficiency.
- Collaborate with the global purchasing team to align data management and unify strategic initiatives.
- Set and monitor Objectives & Key Results (OKRs) for purchasing activities across all North American sites.
- Develop and implement both short-term and long-term strategies, goals, and objectives.
- Issue Requests for Quotation (RFQs) to support both immediate and future business needs.
- Negotiate contracts with suppliers, focusing on cost-saving opportunities to enhance profitability.
- Maintain active communication with suppliers, both internally and externally.
- Engage in supplier negotiations on both contractual terms and day-to-day operations.
- Assess, manage, and mitigate risks related to raw material supply and supplier reliability.
- Oversee all purchasing activities related to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) within the North American region.
- Travel domestically and internationally as needed to meet with suppliers.
- Take on additional purchasing responsibilities as assigned.
- Display strong cross-functional teamwork with Customer Service, Production, Quality and Sales Support.
- Provide purchase order updates proactively and during meetings to customer service and supply chain teams, specifically as related to customer open orders to ensure on time delivery and enhanced customer satisfaction.
- Understand and execute all necessary requirements for ISO 9001. Remain accountable for all defined responsibilities as defined by ISO 9001 process flow.
- Commitment to Robertet and SQF Quality Standards and continuous improvement of the quality management systems.
COMPETENCIES:
- Strong Supervisory skills.
- Knowledge of procurement values, practices, and principles.
- Knowledge of Supply Chain theory, systems, and best practices.
- Knowledge of Incoterms, various currencies, exchange rates, units of measure and their conversions.
- Customer focus - quick thinker, strong analytical skills, delivers customer solutions.
- Ensures accountability - strives to meets operation's Key Performance Indicators and business results. Ability to manage performance and provide/communicate improvement opportunities as needed - draft performance reviews, counseling, PIP, and formal/informal recognition.
- Communicates effectively - Ability to effectively present information (oral/written), collaborate, and respond to questions from managers, peers, and clients. Prepare reports and is an active participant in the Sales and Operating planning meeting. Ability to communicate clearly while dealing with production, shipping & receiving, and customer service. Ability to prepare reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
- Values differences - develops and coaches team members, ability to ensure that all team members are communicating with one another in a positive manner.
- Situational adaptability - ability to change gears and be agile with plans.
- Foster Improvement and Innovation - Understand and assess the current way of working and identify opportunities for improvement, quantify the improvement and prioritize implementation. Encourage innovation and problem-solving to optimize operational efficiency.
QUALIFICATIONS: Required:
- 4 year undergraduate and/or business degree.
- Minimum of 3-5 years of purchasing and supervisory experience.
- Strong vendor management and negotiating skills.
Preferred:
- Advanced knowledge of MS Office, including Excel.
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience working with ERP software. Oracle a plus.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Demands of a typical office environment are normal expectations.
- The ability to work in a manufacturing area as needed is required (Walking, climbing stairs, the ability to stand for periods of time, the lifting of 25 lbs)
Reasonable accommodation may be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities in order to perform the Essential Duties & Responsibilities of the position so long as it does not impose significant difficulty or expense on the company.