Senior Director, Procurement

Just Born, Inc. is a family-owned candy manufacturer that has been creating joyful moments for generations. Founded in 1923 and headquartered in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, we are proud to produce iconic brands like PEEPS®, MIKE AND IKE®, HOT TAMALES®, and GOLDENBERG’S® PEANUT CHEWS®.
Our purpose is simple: to create joyful moments and build stronger communities. Guided by our highest ideals - to take care of each other, do the right thing, and give forward - we remain committed to our people, our consumers, our community, and the planet.

Position Summary:

The Senior Director, Procurement is responsible for leading and advancing the Company's procurement team and function, including the enterprise level strategy, governance, and execution of procurement activities across all spend categories. Provides leadership and direction to ensure the effective procurement of goods and services while balancing cost, quality, service, and assurance of supply. 

Leads the development of procurement capabilities, processes, supplier relationships, and team structure to support current and future business needs. Builds procurement and strategic sourcing capabilities that drive value creation, strengthen supplier partnerships, improve risk management, and support the Company's long-term growth objectives. 

Location: Bethlehem, PA

Work Model: Hybrid schedule, typically two in office per week. As our ways of working evolve, we commit to communicating any changes clearly and with ample notice.

How You’ll Impact Results:

Procurement Strategy & Enterprise Partnership

·        Serve as the Company's senior procurement leader and advisor on procurement strategy, supplier markets, commodity trends, cost pressures, supply continuity risks, and value creation opportunities. 

·        Develop and execute procurement strategies across direct and indirect spend categories that support business objectives and long-term growth. 

·        Lead procurement participation in annual business planning and budgeting processes through the development of cost assumptions, price forecasts, savings initiatives, and purchased price variance projections. 

·        Lead cross-functional projects and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance business performance and support enterprise priorities.

Supplier & Category Management

·        Lead supplier selection, commercial negotiations, contract management, and supplier portfolio strategies to optimize cost, quality, service, assurance of supply, and long-term business value. 

·        Develop and maintain strategic supplier relationships that foster innovation, collaboration, continuous improvement, and risk mitigation.

·        Generate forward-looking commodity and market insights for key spend categories. Advise leadership on risks, opportunities, and procurement strategies that help capitalize on favorable market conditions and mitigate potential cost headwinds.

·        Enable innovation and growth by connecting internal teams with supplier capabilities, emerging materials, and sourcing solutions that support new products and business opportunities.

·        Establish category strategies and priorities across key spend areas to drive value creation, supply assurance, operational efficiency, and business performance.

Procurement Excellence & Capability Development 

·        Establish and continuously improve procurement policies, processes, tools, performance metrics, and operating standards that enhance spend visibility, strengthen decision-making, and support effective spend management and compliance. 

·        Lead and develop the Company's procurement organization, including organizational design, talent development, succession planning, and oversight of direct and indirect procurement activities. 

·        Build and advance procurement capabilities through process improvement, implementation of best practices, team development, and continuous enhancement of ways of working to support evolving business needs and future growth.

Your Qualifications That Will Ensure Success:

Education & Certification:

·        Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Finance, Engineering, Operations, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  

Experience:

·        10+ years of progressive procurement, strategic sourcing, supply chain, or related business experience, including experience in manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, food, beverage, or similarly complex operating environments.

·        5+ years of people leadership experience with responsibility for talent development and organizational capability building.

·        Demonstrated success leading procurement strategy, supplier negotiations, contract management, supplier relationships, and category management to deliver measurable business results.

o   Preferred: Experience leading both direct and indirect procurement functions.

·        Experience leveraging commodity market insights, leading continuous improvement initiatives, and driving organizational change and transformation.

·        Preferred: Experience developing procurement operating models, category management disciplines, supplier management programs, and strategic sourcing capabilities.

·        Preferred: Experience within the food, confectionery, consumer packaged goods, or other highly regulated manufacturing industries.

Skills & Knowledge:

·        Strong business and financial acumen with the ability to drive measurable business results.

·        Proven ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution.

·        Strong commercial negotiation, supplier management, and stakeholder influence skills.

·        Demonstrated ability to lead change, drive continuous improvement, and build organizational capability.

·        Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

·        Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

·        Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and ERP systems (SAP experience is a plus)

Just Born is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer: Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity 

Our Pledge to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:

Vision

Just Born’s Vision is to create a workplace where every associate feels inspired and confident to bring their whole selves to work.

Purpose

Our purpose is to bring sweetness to people’s lives which can only be fully realized if Just Born values every individual we touch. 

To pursue this vision:

·        We will act boldly with integrity, authenticity and humility

·        We will listen with intent, curiosity and a passion to learn and grow 

·        We will lift all voices and create an equitable environment for all

Why it’s Sweet to Work at Just Born:

·        Legacy & Stability: 103+ years of iconic brands and family-owned success.

·        Inclusive Culture: We’re building a workplace where everyone belongs and can thrive.

·        Competitive Compensation: Base salary, Achievement Awards, and generous 401(k) with company contributions.

·        Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, vision, HSA contributions, and flexible options.

·        Work/Life Balance: Hybrid work, paid time off and holidays from day one.

·        Wellness & Growth: Onsite wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, and Employee Assistance Programs.