The Senior Cocoa Sourcing Manager is responsible for managing all sourcing activity for cocoa-based products, including liquor, butter, powder, and cocoa beans.  The Senior Cocoa Sourcing Manager will develop and implement category strategies designed to bring competitive value and high-level efficiency to CQC and is responsible for developing and maintaining business relationships with suppliers to maximize partnerships.  The Senior Manager will create and execute risk management strategies that position CQC for competitive advantage.  Responsible for negotiating commodity contracts through deep market understanding and analysis.  Leverage experience to recommend innovative methods for buying, receiving, and storing raw materials that drive continuous improvement and cost savings within the supply chain and at CQC. The Senior Cocoa Sourcing Manager will coach and mentor Sourcing team members and provide Sourcing leadership cross functionally throughout CQC.

This role will leverage cross-functional collaboration with R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, Sales, Quality, and Finance to create strategies that add value to CQC and position the company for maximum competitiveness.  This role will be responsible for high level strategy development and execution for managed categories.

include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Lead and manage all activities of the cocoa category through supplier relationship management, negotiations, and contract management.
  • Develop and implement sophisticated sourcing and risk-management strategies for cocoa products; understand commodity market dynamics and leverage expertise to assess pivotal buying opportunities.
  • Lead the execution of cocoa sustainability initiatives with key origin supply partners in support of CQC’s three pillars of sustainability – innovation, stewardship, and empowerment.
  • Negotiate volume and pricing contracts within categories to meet CQC budget expectations.
• Act as partner to business stakeholders and collaborate to meet company objectives.
• Develop and maintain activity schedule for all new core product development and innovation projects that require new ingredients and provide sourcing solutions to product development.
• Ensure continuous improvement of supplier operations through routine assessments and performance measurements.
• Supervise Commodity Buyer and provide guidance to other members of Sourcing team as needed.
• Travel to cocoa origin countries in support of sustainability initiatives and supplier relationship management.
• Conduct business in a professional manner adhering to CQC’s Mission Statement and Company Values
• Protect CQC’s commodity position and book, vendor relationships, and all confidential information as defined in the CQC Confidentiality and Invention Agreement and Employee Handbook
• Maintain regular attendance at work.
• Perform all tasks assigned by the supervisor, while following all company, safety, and quality policies and procedures.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE: 

• Bachelor’s degree in business related field; preferably Supply Chain or Finance, prior risk management experience a plus.
• 5+ years of contract negotiation experience in the cocoa industry required.
• Must be able to influence and collaborate cross-functionally.
• Strong project management skills
• Ability to build strong internal and external relationships.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage competing priorities.
• Proficient in MS Office

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Clear and concise communication
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Highly organized and detail oriented
• Analytical skills
• Self-motivated and ability to work under pressure.
• Personal integrity and ethical

CQC is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability, protected veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.  EEO Poster