Sourcing Manager- Cocoa
- Stratham, NH
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Assist in the execution of the cocoa sourcing strategy, coordinating activities between suppliers, R&D, and the Senior Sourcing Manager, NA Cocoa Lead Buyer.
- Support RFx processes, including data collection, bid analysis, and routing contracts for signature.
- Support the implementation of hedging strategies for cocoa futures, cocoa butter/ powder ratios in accordance with the business strategies.
- Execute supplier risk mitigation measures, ensuring business continuity and compliance with procurement policies.
- Prepare AAs/EFSs allocation documentation and route for approval to the Senior Sourcing Manager, NA Cocoa Lead Buyer.
- Manage and maintain contracts within SAP, COZY, and C-Purchasing, collaborating closely with the Sourcing Operations Manager.
- Execute volume allocation plans for the cocoa products, ensuring proper distribution and alignment with business needs.
- Conduct supplier business reviews alongside the Senior Sourcing Manager, NA Cocoa Lead Buyer for Cocoa, providing key insights and recommendations.
- Assist in issue resolution efforts, escalating challenges as needed to maintain supply continuity
- Collect and consolidate material demand and supply needs from Ghirardelli and Lindt and Sprüngli US.
- Evaluate and monitor supplier performance, tracking KPIs, service levels, and compliance.
- Validates and report actual and forecasted cost savings.
- Maintain and update procurement reports, including: Rainforest Alliance Multitrace portal updates, Month-end inventory reports , NFR (Non-Financial Risk) data collection and validation to ensure compliance, PPV (Purchase Price Variance) and Budget reporting .
- Collaborate closely with Finance and Planning team on validation of Purchase Price Variance actuals and forecast, forecast of prices for Budget and for COGS simulation.
- Understand key sustainability reporting requirements for the category and work closely with the Cocoa Sustainability team to meet these
- Monitor and update month end inventory report
- Tracking of future orders and accumulators.
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or a related field (MBA preferred).
- 5+ years of experience in procurement or trading of cocoa (preferred) or other commodities.
- Strong expertise in commodity risk management, hedging strategies, and financial forecasting.
- Proven ability to lead supplier negotiations, contract management, and strategic sourcing initiatives.
- Experience working in a global, matrixed environment, collaborating across finance, R&D, and supply chain teams.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills to partner with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Proficiency in procurement systems (e.g., SAP, Coupa, Sievo) and advanced Excel skills.
- Able to work independently
- Strategic Thinker: Able to align sourcing strategies with organizational goals.
- Results-Driven: Focused on delivering measurable outcomes such as cost savings, risk mitigation, and process efficiencies.
- Innovative Problem Solver: Capable of developing creative solutions for complex procurement challenges.
- Collaborative Leader: Builds strong cross-functional partnerships with stakeholders and suppliers.
- Negotiation Expert: Adept at negotiating favorable terms while maintaining long-term supplier relationships.
- Influential Communicator: Effectively conveys procurement strategies and inspires teams at all levels.