Director of Purchasing

Company Overview

Synergy Flavors, part of the Carbery Group, is more than just a leading international supplier of ingredients to the global food and beverage industry— we’re a team driven by purpose. Our vision is simple yet powerful: enriching lives through healthier and tastier foods. We believe great flavor starts with great people. That’s why we’re committed to hiring creative, passionate individuals who want to make a real impact. With deep expertise across food, beverage, and nutrition, our teams develop high‑quality taste solutions that inspire innovation and elevate everyday experiences.

How You Will Contribute

The Director of Procurement leads the Procurement Team for Synergy Flavors. This individual provides direction and leadership of strategic sourcing activities for the department. The role interacts with all functional leaders and the executive team. The Director of Procurement will work collaboratively with all Synergy North America manufacturing sites to meet business goals. This role is responsible for leading and developing Supplier Relationship Management and Strategy. Responsible for financial planning and budgeting with direct accountability for meeting savings, PPV and cash flow and inventory targets. The Director works closely with cross‑functional leaders to strengthen business relationships and meet key company‑wide objectives. The role leads Procurement category projects and represents Procurement on cross‑functional teams, related projects and other key initiatives. Responsible for ensuring compliance with Synergy Flavors Policies & Controls. This individual is responsible for the development and success of their team, ensuring team members meet objectives, develop Procurement skills and deliver results for the organization.

Responsibilities

Leads team activities around strategic sourcing, planning and project management. Sets goals, direction and expectations for the buying team as it relates to strategic sourcing activities, project management, strategy development, RFI/RFP development and analysis, negotiations, supplier selection, contracting, implementation, ongoing category management and contractual compliance.

Leads key strategic supplier relationships for critical categories to Synergy (i.e. Vanilla) setting business expectations, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), business reviews, benchmarking and implementing continuous improvement recommendations from internal/external stakeholders. Works closely with the leadership team on strategy objectives. Provides guidance and support to the buying team as it relates to Quality, Service, Cost & Delivery.

Drives financial planning & cost management. Owns financial and cost metrics for the department. Leads efforts to improve service, optimize costs, lower inventories, improve cash flow and mitigate risk. Develops productivity plans and risk mitigation strategies for the department in conjunction with the buying team. Ensures supply security and lowest total cost of ownership. Responsible for productivity and cash flow (payment terms) savings targets in support of Finance and Procurement goals.

Stakeholder alignment. Establishes and maintains strategic alliances with key internal and external stakeholders focused on innovation, total cost of ownership and service solutions. Provides category expertise for relevant industries including economic/market conditions, understanding of supply chain structure & manufacturing, development of contingency plans to address industry and business changes. Leverages local, regional and global sourcing strategies to form partnerships with strategically critical suppliers and stakeholders.

Supports growth initiatives and building brand value. Prioritizes work of the Team in support of key growth initiatives and integrates acquisitions & divestitures. Leads strategic dialogue regarding supplier capabilities, capacity planning and risk management.

Organizational leadership. Leads and participates in cross‑functional teams to achieve business results. Sets appropriate leadership example to team and peers. Is viewed as a category expert by stakeholders. Demonstrates corporate responsibility. Ensures the teams adherence to Procurement Policies & Procedures. Complies with internal controls, Procurement and Business Code of Conduct policies. Supports internal audit reviews.

Skills and Requirements

Advanced knowledge of strategic sourcing, process optimization with the ability to implement creative solutions developing strategies for assigned categories and various company‑wide initiatives. Results‑driven performer with proven ability, composure and judgment to make effective decisions on a timely basis. Strong leadership skills, and with capabilities for influencing, coaching and motivating teams to achieve results. Highly effective at leading and managing complex and difficult negotiations resulting in win/win outcomes. Exercise exceptional persuasion skills in dealing with divergent opinions internally and externally to successfully achieve company objectives. Vision to create alternative strategies and intuitively adjust to a changing environment. High ethical standards in approach to business and ability to set that tone with direct reports, internal stakeholders & vendors. Collaborative and team‑oriented leadership style challenging others to make a positive difference while exercising the political savvy to maintain integrity in all relationships. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills complemented by highly effective presentation, interpersonal and consulting skills. Ability to work effectively across all aspects of the business, levels of the organizations and outside contacts.

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree required, APICS and CPM certification preferred. 10+ years Procurement experience in the food & beverage industry with expert knowledge in Procurement Process: Strategic Sourcing, Supplier Optimization, Negotiating, Contracting and Commodity Risk Management. 6+ years managing direct staff. Extensive background in leading diverse teams and demonstrated skills at delivering business results through teams. Excellent team building skills and demonstrated ability to develop the skills of team members. Strong cross‑functional experience working with all aspects of the organization including Supply Chain, Operations, R&D, Quality, Sales and Executive Team. Business & Financial Acumen, with a demonstrated ability in communicating to senior stakeholders. Ability to travel as required, including visiting vendors/growers and other Synergy manufacturing sites. Estimated 25% Travel.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $164,000 - $221,500. The actual compensation that you will be offered will depend on a variety of factors including geography, skills and abilities, education, experience and other relevant factors. This role will remain open until filled.

Location & Work Arrangement

Department: Operations
Location: Wauconda, Illinois
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Reporting To: COO

Commitment to our People

We are a diverse and growing workforce of over 1,000 people across eight countries globally. We are committed to fostering a supportive work environment, driving growth, developing future capability and delivering results through our dedicated teams. We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and an inclusive workplace where your skills, perspectives, and experience help shape the future of our industry.

Carbery Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering a supportive work environment.