Procurement Operations Analyst - Raw Ingredients/Resale (Finance)

Job Overview

The Procurement Operations Analyst leads critical procurement functions that drive strategic sourcing, inventory optimization, and continuous improvement. Core responsibilities include overseeing inventory management strategies, creating and monitoring purchase orders, and providing day-to-day operational support. This role involves maintaining and analyzing key performance indicators (KPIs), identifying deviations, and recommending process improvements to achieve cost savings and increased efficiency.
As a strategic business partner, this role works cross-functionally to deliver actionable insights and analytics that influence sourcing decisions, mitigate supply risk, and support transformation efforts across a global supply base.

Job Responsibilities

• Ownership and management of purchase orders to maintain optimum inventory levels and meet supplier lead times.
• Own the category as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for materials procured for GLC and related commodity markets
• Analyze inventory levels and product demand to ensure product availability and inventory at the optimum age and quality of perishable raw ingredients.
• Monitor and manage procurement KPIs, including cost tracking, Purchase Price Variance (PPV), and supplier performance metrics.
• Maintain material price lists and document/communicate adjustments.
• Leverage SAP, BW, and Excel to analyze procurement and inventory trends; identify outliers and opportunities.
• Ensure procurement forecast models are maintained accurately in alignment with master data, partnering with supply and demand planning teams.
• Demonstrate autonomy in decision-making and execution
• Lead coordination efforts with vendors, sales operations, supply chain, and manufacturing to ensure the timely delivery of quality products and to maintain responsive communication across teams
• Effectively negotiate spot buy opportunities and track financial impact
• Identify and initiate data-driven analyses to quantify the financial and operational impact of strategic sourcing, procurement, and supply chain initiatives, including modeling inventory flows, distribution networks, and transportation strategies for continuous improvement.
• Deliver and present actionable insights to influence strategic decisions regarding cost, risk, and operational improvements.
• Develop standardized and ad hoc reports to support planning and mitigate supply risks.
• Monitor and respond to volume changes, supplier issues, and various commodity market dynamics
• Manage & improve intercompany stock transfer orders (STOs)
• Conduct warehouse space analysis to support operational efficiency
• Proactively oversee vendor performance, quality, and on-time delivery metrics to ensure optimal results.
• Develop, manage, and improve supplier scorecards.
• Manage supplier performance and risk exposure using real-time analytics, including financial and compliance indicators.
• Conduct regular supply and performance reviews with internal manufacturing sites
• Maintain and strengthen supplier relationship
• Lead the development & implementation of process changes and improvements within the department.
• Partner on enterprise-wide sourcing strategies and innovation in procurement practices
• Support procurement automation and digital transformation initiatives.
• Lead departmental and cross-functional projects from inception through execution
• Take comprehensive meeting notes and ensure follow-through on action items
• Effectively close the loop on open issues and decisions
• Deliver clear, concise presentations to internal teams and management groups, translating complex data into actionable insights
• Serve as an active departmental representative in cross-functional meetings
• Support cross-functional initiatives, including supplier transitions, packaging changes, and broader operational projects.
• Navigate complex supply chains and business models to ensure alignment with enterprise goals.
• All GLC employees are expected to perform any assignment or job task according to the stated safety policies and procedures.
• All GLC employees are expected to produce our products in a manner that exceeds the quality and value expectations of our customers and consumers by adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices, Policies, and Procedures outlined in our Safe Quality Food Program.
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the manager.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, or a related field
• Minimum of 2 years' experience in purchasing, planning, or supply chain logistics
• Strong Excel and MS Office proficiency
• SAP experience required
• Advanced analytical and organizational skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Self-motivated and improvement-focused team player
• Legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship

Preferred Education and Experience

• 2-4 years' of experience preferred
• Experience with SQL, Power BI, or Tableau
• Familiarity with predictive analytics, should-cost modeling, and total cost of ownership (TCO)
• Knowledge of ESG compliance and supplier diversity metrics
• Lean Six Sigma or equivalent continuous improvement certification
• Understanding of supplier risk management frameworks

Working Conditions

• Occasional exposure to industrial operations including: temperature extremes from approximately 35°F to 100°F; noise levels in excess of 85 dB; moisture and moving machinery.

• Work is mainly performed in an office setting, with some time spent in a manufacturing environment

EEOC & Disclaimer

Great Lakes Cheese is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer.