Materials and Procurement Manager (Cranbury)

Company Description Cruzader Advanced Recruiting Solutions is a strategic talent partner specializing in executive search, professional recruitment, and embedded talent solutions. The firm uses a hybrid model that combines AI-driven talent intelligence with tailored, boutique-level service. Cruzader supports leadership and specialist hiring needs across technology, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and life sciences. The team focuses on building long-term partnerships with clients by delivering high-quality, data-informed recruitment outcomes. Candidates joining Cruzader’s network benefit from industry expertise, transparent communication, and access to diverse career opportunities.

Role Description The Materials and Procurement Manager is a full-time, on-site role based in Cranbury, NJ. This role oversees end-to-end procurement and materials management activities, including sourcing, purchasing, and inventory control for production and operations. Day-to-day responsibilities include identifying and qualifying suppliers, negotiating contracts and pricing, monitoring supplier performance, and ensuring timely delivery of materials. The manager will collaborate closely with supply chain, operations, and finance teams to optimize material availability, cost efficiency, and quality standards. Additional tasks involve analyzing procurement data, implementing process improvements, managing supplier risk, and maintaining compliance with company policies and industry regulations.

A food manufacturing organization in Cranbury, NJ is seeking a Materials and Procurement Manager to lead raw material planning and procurement. This role combines daily ERP/MRP planning with supplier management, cost control, inventory discipline, and contract negotiation to ensure materials are available when needed without creating unnecessary inventory exposure.

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Job Summary

The Materials and Procurement Manager is responsible for raw material planning and procurement, ensuring the company maintains a reliable supply of materials while managing inventory levels and purchasing costs. This role combines daily ERP/MRP planning with supplier and procurement management.

Role and Responsibilities

· Use the ERP/MRP system daily to review material requirements and determine when purchase orders should be placed, adjusted, expedited, or canceled.

· Maintain accurate planning parameters for all raw materials, including safety stock, minimum order quantity, order multiple, lead time, shelf life, and related planning fields.

· Monitor inventory levels and upcoming demand to prevent raw material shortages while avoiding unnecessary inventory.

· Monitor open purchase orders and supplier deliveries to ensure materials are available when needed.

· Track raw material contract balances and commitments.

· Identify and communicate potential supply risks or material shortages.

· Approve supplier invoices and third-party logistics partner invoices in a timely manner.

· Maintain strong, professional relationships with current suppliers and work closely with them to ensure reliable supply and service.

· Source and evaluate new suppliers when needed to improve supply quality, service, or cost.

· Negotiate pricing, payment terms, and other commercial conditions when appropriate.

· Lead the annual process of negotiating contracts for selected raw materials.

· Monitor market conditions and supplier pricing to identify opportunities for cost improvement.

· Introduce new raw materials or potential suppliers to R&D and other internal teams as appropriate.

· Prepare purchasing analyses, reports, and recommendations for senior management as needed.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

· Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

· Proven experience in purchasing, procurement, materials planning, or supply chain management.

· Experience working in an ERP/MRP environment, preferably in manufacturing.

· Food industry and/or multi-level manufacturing experience preferred.

· Strong analytical, organizational, negotiation, and decision-making skills.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

· Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.

· Excellent communication and supplier relationship management skills.

Required Skills

· ERP/MRP planning and purchasing

· Raw material inventory management

· Supplier and vendor management

· Procurement and price negotiation

· Contract and purchasing agreement management

· Data analysis and Excel

· Strong communication and organizational skills

· Sound judgment and decision-making