Job Overview
The Procurement Operations Manager (Packaging) leads a team of Procurement Operations Analysts and Senior Analysts supporting procurement operations across Great Lakes Cheese. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence through strong people leadership, cross-functional collaboration, process improvement, inventory and supplier performance management, and digital transformation initiatives. The ideal candidate embraces change, empowers teams, drives accountability, and delivers results through effective communication, change management, and continuous improvement. This role partners closely with Procurement, Packaging Design, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Sales Operations, Finance, IT, Quality, and suppliers to improve processes, optimize cost, reduce operational risk, and support business goals in a fast-paced environment.
Job Responsibilities
- Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing procurement operations team.
- Provide clear priorities, development feedback, and performance coaching to support employee growth and engagement.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
- Oversee procurement operations, inventory management, supplier performance, and escalation management.
- Drive process standardization, workflow optimization, and procurement automation initiatives.
- Lead or support transformational and digital improvement projects
- Utilize SAP, BW, Excel, and analytics tools to support operational visibility and decision-making.
- Monitor KPIs, operational trends, and risks to drive business improvements.
- Partner cross-functionally to support supply continuity, waste reduction, and execution excellence.
- Communicate effectively across organizational levels and influence alignment during change initiatives.
- Support supplier relationship management and operational reviews.
- Represent packaging procurement in cross-functional meetings and enterprise initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with company safety, quality, and food safety expectations.
- Other responsibilities as assigned by leadership.
Required Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field.
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in procurement, supply chain, planning, operations, or related functions.
- Minimum of 3 years of people leadership experience.
- Experience leading cross-functional initiatives or transformational projects.
- SAP experience required.
- Strong Excel and Microsoft Office proficiency.
- Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
- Demonstrated experience influencing across functions and organizational levels.
- Legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
Preferred Education and Experience
- Experience supporting procurement or supply chain transformation initiatives.
- Experience with Power BI, Tableau, or related analytics tools.
- Continuous improvement or Lean experience preferred.
- Experience in manufacturing or food industry environments preferred.
- Change management experience strongly preferred.
Working Conditions
• Work is performed in an office setting.• Occasional exposure to industrial operations including: temperature extremes from approximately 35ºF to 100ºF; noise levels in excess of 85 dB; moisture and moving machinery.
EEOC & Disclaimer
Great Lakes Cheese is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.
