Procurement Operations Director

Dessert Holdings is the leading premium dessert company in the world. We craft artisanal, scratch-made desserts at scale, combining culinary innovation with the finest real ingredients. With a rich heritage spanning seven distinctive brands, we bring unmatched expertise and tailored solutions to our Retail and Foodservice partners. The Director of Procurement Operations , based in Aurora, CO , is responsible for leading the purchasing operations functions for multiple strategically imperative Dessert Holdings’ manufacturing facilities. This individual will manage ingredient and packing sourcing, supplier relationships, and site-level purchasing operations to ensure uninterrupted production, optimized working capital, and alignment with company goals for cost, service, and quality. The typical hiring range for this role is $155,000 to $185,000 annually plus bonus and is based on several factors such as education, work experience, skills, certifications, location, etc. In addition to pay, Dessert Holdings offers benefits such as a choice of comprehensive medical plans, dental and vision insurance, paid vacation and holidays, and retirement contribution to all eligible employees. Key Responsibilities Lead procurement activities for ingredients and packaging across multiple Dessert Holdings facilities. Manage and develop a team of Buyers. Ensure raw material and packaging availability to meet production and customer service targets. Drive effective materials management practices to balance service levels with inventory and working capital goals. Serve as the first point of escalation for supply disruptions, leading cross-functional problem-solving to resolve issues swiftly. Partner closely with the Quality Assurance team to ensure all suppliers meet food safety and quality standards. Lead resolution of all supplier‑related food safety issues and non‑conformance events, ensuring root cause identification and corrective action implementation. Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, ensuring alignment on performance, quality, and service expectations. Partner with Operations, Supply Chain Planning, and Warehouse teams to optimize procurement and production efficiency. Monitor and report on key purchasing metrics, including cost savings, supplier performance, and inventory turns. Support company initiatives in cost reduction, sustainability, and supplier quality improvement. Contribute to strategic sourcing efforts in collaboration with the corporate Procurement team. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, or related field. 10+ years of purchasing or materials management experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role. Food manufacturing or CPG experience strongly preferred. Demonstrated success in managing supplier relationships and resolving supply challenges. Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem‑solving skills. Proven ability to lead teams and collaborate cross‑functionally in a fast‑paced environment. Proficiency with ERP systems (Microsoft D365 experience a plus). Excellent communication and leadership skills with a hands‑on, solution‑oriented approach. Ability to travel up to 10‑15%. About Dessert Holdings Dessert Holdings is a collection of premium dessert companies and brands: The Original Cakerie, Lawler’s Desserts, Atlanta Cheesecake Company, Steven Charles, Dianne’s Fine Desserts, Kenny’s Great Pies, and Willamette Valley Pie Company. Dessert Holdings is owned by Bain Capital, is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, employs more than 3,500 people across ten manufacturing facilities, and is continuing its journey of rapid growth. EEO Statement Dessert Holdings and its related entities provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristics protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Dessert Holdings