Procurement Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Procurement Manager

Department: Operations / Supply Chain
Reports To: General Manager
Location: Snohomish Co-op
Employment Type: Full-Time

About:  The Snohomish Co-op is a retail farm and feed store. We have been serving the local Snohomish community for 90+ years. We are adamantly dedicated to our employees, community, and membership. We are looking for a long-term candidate willing to grow within our small business.

Position Summary

The Procurement Manager is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating all inventory and purchasing activities for the Snohomish, Monroe, and Carnation Co-op. This role reports directly to the General Manager and works in partnership with all senior leadership roles including Finance, Operations, and Retail Store Managers. This role ensures the timely, cost-effective procurement of inventory, special orders and operational materials while maintaining quality standards and supporting cooperative member needs. The Procurement Manager develops supplier relationships, negotiates contracts, and manages inventory strategies. The Procurement Manager also plays a critical role in ensuring the cooperative has a reliable, cost-effective supply of products and materials that enables members and customers to operate successfully and profitably.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Strategic Sourcing / Retail Inventory Management 

• Develop and implement procurement strategies that align with cooperative goals and member needs.
• Purchase feed, livestock nutrition products, crop protection products, seed, fertilizer, farm supplies, equipment, and other operational materials to maintain replenishment needs for all stores.
• Negotiate favorable pricing, terms, contracts, and service agreements with vendors.
• Monitor commodity markets and industry trends to optimize purchasing decisions.
• Manager all retail pricing, product costs, item and department gross margin %.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and industry partners.
• Conduct Inventory Specialist performance evaluations and corrective action processes when necessary.
• Ensure vendors comply with cooperative standards, regulatory requirements, and contractual obligations.
• Manage vendor communications regarding product availability, pricing changes, and supply challenges.

Inventory & Supply Chain Management

• Monitor inventory levels and forecasts to ensure product availability while minimizing carrying costs.
• Coordinate procurement schedules to support seasonal demand fluctuations.
• Manage supply disruptions and develop contingency sourcing plans.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with cooperative policies, industry regulations, and safety standards.
• Maintain accurate procurement documentation and purchasing records.
• Assess and mitigate supply chain risks related to pricing, availability, logistics, and supplier performance.
• Support audits and regulatory inspections as required.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead and mentor purchasing and inventory personnel.
• Partners with finance, operations, and store teams to align procurement activities with business needs.
• Participate in strategic planning initiatives and cooperative growth projects.
• Support member-focused programs by ensuring consistent access to quality products.

Preferred Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Agribusiness, Business Administration, Agriculture, Animal Science, or a related field.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Experience

• 5+ years of procurement, purchasing, supply chain, or inventory management experience.
• Experience within agriculture or cooperative operations preferred.
• Demonstrated success negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships.
• Multi Store Purchasing experience
• Retail category management experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of agricultural supply chains, feed ingredients, fertilizer, seed, and small pet markets.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to analyze pricing and market trends.
• Proficiency with inventory management and purchasing systems.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to travel to company locations regularly and product trade shows as needed.
• Ability to work in office, warehouse, and retail stores.

Work Environment

This position operates in a combination of office, warehouse, and retail store settings with the main office being in the Snohomish location. Occasional travel and attendance at industry meetings, supplier visits, and cooperative events may be required.

Benefits

• 401(k) Employer Match up to 6%
• Health, Dental, Vision
• Generous Employee Discount – included Fuel
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Bonuses