Believer Meats is an innovative start-up revolutionizing the food industry through the development and commercialization of cultivated meat products. Leveraging cutting-edge biotechnology, we aim to provide sustainable, ethical, and high-quality meat alternatives to consumers worldwide. As we near the completion of a new plant and prepare for commercialization, we are seeking a Procurement Manager to join our team.

As the Procurement Manager for direct materials, you will lead the procurement of raw materials, packaging, and other materials essential to our production processes. You will be responsible for developing and implementing procurement strategies that ensure cost efficiency, quality, and timely delivery of goods. This role requires a strong operational focus and exceptional implementation skills to support the seamless operation of our new production facility.

This is a hybrid role open to candidates in the Chicago, IL or Wilson, NC areas.

• Develop and implement category management strategies for all materials to support production requirements and business objectives.
• Participate and contribute to the development and deployment of procurement policies
• Build and manage supplier relationships (SRM), including negotiation of contracts, pricing, and terms to ensure optimal value and service levels.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including production, quality, R&D, marketing and legal/regulatory to ensure alignment of procurement activities with overall business goals.
• Monitor and analyze market trends, supplier performance, and internal needs to make informed procurement decisions.
• Identify and mitigate risks within the supply chain to ensure continuity of supply and compliance with company standards.
• Implement and maintain best practices in procurement processes, including cost-saving initiatives, inventory management, and supplier performance metrics.
• Prepare and present reports on procurement activities, savings, and performance to senior management.
• Champion relevant sustainability initiatives throughout the value chain, including initiatives to reduce waste, minimize environmental impact, and promote responsible sourcing practices.
• Stay abreast of changes to food regulations, including FDA guidelines, FSMA requirements, and international standards such as ISO 22000 and HACCP principles.
• Maintain accurate records and retain documentation per regulatory and company policies

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of experience in the Procurement Management field, preferably in the food & beverage, consumer packaged goods, or food manufacturing industries. The incumbent Procurement Manager will have a combination of skills, education, and skills that demonstrate the ability to fulfill all aspects of this job description.

• A qualification in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or any other related field.
• Experience in procurement (or supply chain role), with a focus on direct materials within the CPG/FMCG industry.
• Experience managing sourcing activities across multiple business cycles (metric setting, tracking, and analysis)
• Strong professional communication and proven negotiation skills.
• Comfortable at managing and leading change.
• Enjoy a fast-paced, and dynamic work environment.
• The ability to collect, interpret, challenge and communicate information to various audiences.
• Expertise using ERP systems (Netsuite, SAP etc)
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel) & other relevant statistical and reporting software
• Ability to pass pre-employment background screening and drug test.
• Authorized to work in the US
• The role requires regular travel within the US.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

With or without reasonable accommodation

• Mobility: Able to move around the manufacturing facility, warehouse, and office areas as needed.
• Manual Dexterity: Capable of using hands and fingers to handle paperwork, operate computers, and manipulate small objects and packing materials.
• Physical Endurance: Must be able to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods during work hours.
• Visual and Auditory Acuity: Good vision and hearing to assess products, communicate with suppliers, and ensure quality control.
• Lifting and Carrying: Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally for tasks such as moving supplies or inspecting products.