Director of Procurement - Natural Treats

Job Description

Job Description

Central Garden & Pet’s Nylabone/TFH/Four Paws/IMS/TDBBS division offers exciting career opportunities in our Neptune City, New Jersey corporate office complex. Since 1955, Nylabone has been making the world’s best chew toys, long-lasting edible chews, and dental solutions for dogs of every age, breed, shape, and size. We know that every dog is different, and so are their needs. That is why we make a wide variety of chewing solutions in flavors, shapes, sizes, and textures for every kind of dog and chewing strength.

Reporting to Senior Vice President of Global R&D, the Director of Procurement for Natural Treats is responsible for leading the procurement strategy and operations related to the sourcing of natural animal parts for pet treats. This role involves strategic planning, supplier relationship management, quality control, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing and maintaining a sustainable and ethical supply chain for natural pet treats.

• Lead procurement for our business units of natural animal parts including vendor identification, capability assessment and selection, negotiation of vendor terms/ conditions/ agreements/ contracts, new item sourcing (finished goods and raw materials), new item specifications, pricing negotiations/ cost management, cost savings initiatives, execution /tracking of purchase orders.
• Continuously monitor commodity price indices and foreign currency exchange trends and propose corresponding strategies for sourcing and negotiation.
• Responsible for defining procurement strategy to establish supply sources, maximize current and future market conditions, and define contingency planning to ensure critical supplies are met.
• Stay informed about sustainable and ethical sourcing practices in the natural treats industry.
• Effectively leverage depth and breadth of total spend across multiple commodities whenever possible in order to deliver maximum cost savings and cost reduction to generate value.
• Develop a strong working relationship with internal and external teams to create a collaborative environment that supports the business strategy, tactics, and timelines.
• Support Marketing, R&D, and Creative efforts to grow the business by proactively offering product, packaging, vendor, and manufacturing alternatives (domestic and international).
• Facilitate strategic business decisions by providing actionable, value-added analysis of any relevant emerging and/ or current world trade changes.
• Collaborate with Finance on product costing structure relative to material/ component cost verification, freight rate verification, duty rates, etc.
• Work closely with Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) to ensure the proper flow of materials/ products to meet customer requirements while maintaining appropriate levels of inventory. 

IDEAL CANDIDATE ATTRIBUTES:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related discipline. Minimum of 4 years of successful procurement experience, preferably in a fast-paced CPG environment.
• Must be bilingual in Spanish.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities coupled with strong project management and analytical skills.
• High proficiency in negotiation process experience, skills, and tactics.
• Comprehensive cost modeling and “should-cost” estimate analysis.
• Experience in working with cross-functional teams and creating a collaborative environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects concurrently.
• Detail-oriented with a strong work ethic and organizational skills.
• Ability to quickly develop a deep knowledge of the marketplace and key competitors.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills with exceptional written and verbal communication.
• High energy, results- and people-oriented, assertive/persuasive, team player.
• Ability to maintain the integrity of highly confidential customer and product information.
• Computer proficiency on all MS Office applications with high proficiency in Excel.

BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Free Life and Disability Insurance.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.
• 401 (k) with a 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Access to thousands of free online courses.
• Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
• Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications).
• Referral Program with a cash bonus.
• Access to on-demand pay.
• Paid parental leave.

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries. Guided by the belief that home is central to life, the Company's purpose is to proudly nurture happy and healthy homes. For over 45 years, its innovative and trusted solutions have helped lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a diversified portfolio of market-leading brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Best Bully Sticks®, Cadet®, C&S®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Kaytee®, Nylabone®, Pennington®, Sevin® and Zoёcon®. With fiscal 2025 net sales of $3.1 billion, Central has strong manufacturing and logistics capabilities supported by a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. The Company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and employs over 6,000 people, primarily across North America. Visit to learn more.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.