Ingredient Procurement Manager

The Ingredient Procurement Manager leads the procurement and commercial strategy for specialty feed ingredients used in swine nutrition (amino acids, minerals, feed additives, etc). This role serves as the primary liaison between suppliers, customers, nutrition, and company leadership to ensure a reliable ingredient supply while maximizing profitability and customer value.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Procurement and Supplier Management

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for feed ingredients in collaboration with our strategic procurement partner, NextGen Ingredients.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, supply agreements, rebates, and commercial terms.
• Evaluate supplier performance to ensure quality, reliability, and competitiveness.
• Monitor ingredient availability and proactively mitigate supply risks.

Market Intelligence and Pricing

• Monitor domestic and international markets, competitor activity, and emerging ingredient technologies.
• Analyze market trends to develop competitive pricing and purchasing strategies.
• Prepare market intelligence reports and pricing recommendations to support business decisions.

Sales and Business Development

• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers while identifying opportunities for business growth.
• Understand customer needs and recommend ingredient and CVS solutions that improve profitability and operational efficiency for the producer.
• Prepare quotations, proposals, and commercial agreements.
• Develop sales plans and growth strategies for assigned product categories.
• Represent the company at customer meetings, supplier visits, and industry events.

Operations and Supply Chain

• Coordinate with logistics and feed mill personnel to ensure timely ingredient delivery.
• Support demand forecasting, inventory planning, and purchasing schedules to optimize supply and working capital.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION & WORK EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• 5+ years of experience in feed ingredient procurement/ingredient merchandising, sales or relative fields.
• Any similar combination of education and experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of feed ingredients, including amino acids, feed additives, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, probiotics, acidifiers, and specialty ingredients.
• Understanding of ingredient manufacturing processes, supply chains, and domestic and global ingredient markets.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, customer relationship, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across CVS departments.
• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and sound business judgment.

Position Location

• Midwest Region – Remote