Head of Procurement
Upside Foods - Emeryville, CA
posted 6 days ago
About the position
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a fast-paced and innovative start-up in a nascent industry. As the Head of Procurement, you will oversee the procurement process for the entire organization for all direct and indirect spend, including raw materials, manufacturing and lab equipment, manufacturing and lab supplies and consumables, enterprise and functionally specific software and services, and general corporate purchasing. You will drive vendor process improvements and approvals to support our growth and work closely with various departments, gaining exposure to different aspects of our business operations, while playing a crucial role in ensuring an optimized and cost-efficient vendor program.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with the company's overall objectives and growth plans.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers.
- Negotiate contracts, commercial terms, and pricing to ensure favorable agreements that meet regulatory / quality standards, cost objectives, and project timelines.
- Partner with Supply Chain to minimize risks and maximize efficiency.
- Work closely with business leadership, finance, R&D, engineering, manufacturing and supply chain teams to develop procurement budgets, forecasts, and cost-saving initiatives.
- Ensure that all procured materials, equipment, and services meet quality standards, regulatory requirements, and industry certifications.
- Provide strong leadership and mentorship to the procurement team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Identify and mitigate potential risks associated with procurement activities.
- Stay at the forefront of industry developments and emerging market trends.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain management, logistics, related field, or equivalent work experience.
- 15+ years of experience in procurement, supply chain management, or related fields with at least 8 years as a head of procurement, managing teams.
- Strong negotiation skills and ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Deep understanding of procurement best practices, Lean Manufacturing, market dynamics, and regulatory requirements.
- Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make strategic recommendations.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams.
- Proficiency in procurement software, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience in a startup environment and FDA/USDA regulated industries is a plus.
Benefits
- Stock options for all full-time incoming team members!
- 90-100% employer-paid healthcare premiums for team members (medical [including HSA and FSA], dental, and vision)
- Pet insurance for your furry family members!
- Unlimited PTO
- Employee Engagement Council
- Company-sponsored learning & development opportunities
