Impact Confections, Inc.
Strategic Sourcing Manager
Impact Confections, Inc., Janesville, Wisconsin, United States, 53546
Impact Confections
Impact Confections is an innovative manufacturer of candies marketed under the WarHeads® and Melster Candies® brand names. WarHeads® are one of the most recognized (and tastiest!) sour candies in the world and the fastest growing brand in the market! SUMMARY
The
Strategic Sourcing Manager
is responsible for managing and optimizing the sourcing of ingredients, packaging materials, and co-manufacturing services in alignment with our production goals, cost targets, and quality standards. This role plays a key part in ensuring supply continuity, supporting new product innovation, and maintaining compliance with food safety regulations. It requires expertise in food manufacturing procurement, vendor management, and cross‑functional collaboration. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop and implement sourcing strategies for ingredients, packaging, and direct/indirect materials to meet business needs. Conduct market research and supplier benchmarking to identify new sources and ensure competitive pricing and quality. Lead RFQ, RFP, and contract negotiation processes with a focus on cost savings, supply assurance, and value creation. Source and manage relationships with suppliers of food‑grade ingredients, flavorings, colors, packaging, and related services. Evaluate supplier performance on quality, service, cost, delivery, and innovation; lead quarterly business reviews. Ensure all ingredients and materials meet FDA, USDA, and other applicable regulatory requirements. Drive cost savings initiatives through strategic negotiations, sourcing consolidation, and alternative sourcing strategies. Monitor commodity markets and identify risk exposures (e.g., price volatility, geopolitical factors) and mitigation strategies. Work with finance to track and report sourcing impact on cost of goods sold (COGS). New Product Development Support
Collaborate with R&D, Marketing, and Operations to ensure timely sourcing support for new product introductions. Identify and onboard suppliers capable of meeting product innovation requirements while maintaining food safety standards. Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Partner with QA, Regulatory, and Legal teams to ensure supplier compliance with food safety, quality, and contractual standards. Coordinate with Production and Planning teams to align sourcing with operational capacity and inventory requirements. Compliance & Documentation
Ensure all vendor contracts, specifications, and certifications (e.g., organic, Kosher, Halal, allergen declarations) are up to date. Maintain documentation in accordance with SQF, BRC, or other food safety certification standards. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This job has no supervisory responsibilities. QUALIFICATIONS
Strong understanding of ingredient supply chains, quality systems, and food safety regulations (FDA, FSMA, GFSI, etc.). Proven contract negotiation and vendor management skills. Excellent analytical, forecasting, and cost modeling capabilities. Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Business Central) and Microsoft Excel. Strong organizational and communication skills; able to influence cross‑functional teams. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, or related field; 5–7+ years of procurement or sourcing experience in the food manufacturing industry. Demonstrate experience sourcing ingredients, packaging, or food‑grade materials. LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.Ability to write simple correspondence.Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to employees of the organization. MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage and to draw and interpret bar graphs. REASONING ABILITY
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. COMPUTER SKILLS
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office with proficiency in Word, Excel and PowerPoint.Ability to learn other application software is essential to performing job tasks. PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear.The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel.The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.The noise level in the work environment is equally quiet to moderate. Seniority level
Mid-Senior level Employment type
Full-time Job function
Purchasing and Supply Chain Food and Beverage Services
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Impact Confections is an innovative manufacturer of candies marketed under the WarHeads® and Melster Candies® brand names. WarHeads® are one of the most recognized (and tastiest!) sour candies in the world and the fastest growing brand in the market! SUMMARY
The
Strategic Sourcing Manager
is responsible for managing and optimizing the sourcing of ingredients, packaging materials, and co-manufacturing services in alignment with our production goals, cost targets, and quality standards. This role plays a key part in ensuring supply continuity, supporting new product innovation, and maintaining compliance with food safety regulations. It requires expertise in food manufacturing procurement, vendor management, and cross‑functional collaboration. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop and implement sourcing strategies for ingredients, packaging, and direct/indirect materials to meet business needs. Conduct market research and supplier benchmarking to identify new sources and ensure competitive pricing and quality. Lead RFQ, RFP, and contract negotiation processes with a focus on cost savings, supply assurance, and value creation. Source and manage relationships with suppliers of food‑grade ingredients, flavorings, colors, packaging, and related services. Evaluate supplier performance on quality, service, cost, delivery, and innovation; lead quarterly business reviews. Ensure all ingredients and materials meet FDA, USDA, and other applicable regulatory requirements. Drive cost savings initiatives through strategic negotiations, sourcing consolidation, and alternative sourcing strategies. Monitor commodity markets and identify risk exposures (e.g., price volatility, geopolitical factors) and mitigation strategies. Work with finance to track and report sourcing impact on cost of goods sold (COGS). New Product Development Support
Collaborate with R&D, Marketing, and Operations to ensure timely sourcing support for new product introductions. Identify and onboard suppliers capable of meeting product innovation requirements while maintaining food safety standards. Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Partner with QA, Regulatory, and Legal teams to ensure supplier compliance with food safety, quality, and contractual standards. Coordinate with Production and Planning teams to align sourcing with operational capacity and inventory requirements. Compliance & Documentation
Ensure all vendor contracts, specifications, and certifications (e.g., organic, Kosher, Halal, allergen declarations) are up to date. Maintain documentation in accordance with SQF, BRC, or other food safety certification standards. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This job has no supervisory responsibilities. QUALIFICATIONS
Strong understanding of ingredient supply chains, quality systems, and food safety regulations (FDA, FSMA, GFSI, etc.). Proven contract negotiation and vendor management skills. Excellent analytical, forecasting, and cost modeling capabilities. Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Business Central) and Microsoft Excel. Strong organizational and communication skills; able to influence cross‑functional teams. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, or related field; 5–7+ years of procurement or sourcing experience in the food manufacturing industry. Demonstrate experience sourcing ingredients, packaging, or food‑grade materials. LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.Ability to write simple correspondence.Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to employees of the organization. MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage and to draw and interpret bar graphs. REASONING ABILITY
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. COMPUTER SKILLS
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office with proficiency in Word, Excel and PowerPoint.Ability to learn other application software is essential to performing job tasks. PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear.The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel.The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.The noise level in the work environment is equally quiet to moderate. Seniority level
Mid-Senior level Employment type
Full-time Job function
Purchasing and Supply Chain Food and Beverage Services
#J-18808-Ljbffr