Manager, Procurement

Job description

ABOUT FOREVER CHEESE Forever Cheese is a leading importer, manufacturer, and distributor of premium specialty cheeses and foods in the United States. For more than 25 years, the company has built a strong reputation for sourcing and delivering exceptional products from around the world to American consumers. Forever Cheese is now expanding beyond its legacy import and specialty distribution business into branded specialty foods and value-added offerings including logistics and manufacturing — a significant strategic growth phase for the company. POSITION SUMMARY We are seeking a hands-on Manager, Procurement to lead purchasing operations, supplier management, and strategic sourcing initiatives at Forever Cheese. This role will oversee a team of three direct reports and play a key part in optimizing procurement processes, strengthening supplier relationships, and supporting the rollout of new AI-driven procurement tools across the organization. Forever Cheese has scaled significantly over the last several years and is actively seeking to grow through organic initiatives and add-on acquisitions. The right candidate for this role will seek wants to be part of a growing environment and company and will seek to increase their responsibilities as the Company scales over time. This role will be required to be onsite 4 days a week in New York City. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Lead and develop a team of 3 procurement professionals. Manage day-to-day purchasing activities and supplier relationships. Learn how to use RELEX (new AI procurement technology) and ensure adoption by team members to improve purchasing efficiency and decision-making. Analyze and identify process improvement opportunities. Partner with Finance, Operations, and leadership to forecast purchasing needs and communicate potential stock-out and spoilage possibilities. Monitor vendor performance and maintain compliance with company policies and procedures. Create and track KPIs related to purchasing, inventory, supplier performance, and cost reduction. QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field. 3+ years of procurement, purchasing, or supply chain management experience (5–10 years overall working experience). Previous leadership experience managing direct reports. Bilingual in Italian and/or Spanish, in addition to English; Italian preferred. Experience working with ERP systems and willingness to learn how to use E21 and RELEX. Exposure to AI-powered business tools and process automation initiatives. Strong analytical and management skills. Advanced proficiency in Excel and reporting tools. PREFERRED EXPERIENCE Fresh food supply chain or general distribution experience preferred but not required. Prior management experience. Experience leading system implementations, process improvements, or digital transformation projects. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS Total target compensation: $125,000 – $165,000, flexible on composition (base salary vs. performance bonus) based on candidate preference. Performance-based bonus opportunity. 401(k) plan, medical insurance, and vision insurance. WHY FOREVER CHEESE This is a hands-on leadership role with direct influence over how Forever Cheese sources, negotiates, and manages its supply chain — including the rollout of new ERP and AI-driven procurement tools. For an experienced procurement professional who wants to modernize and build out a purchasing function within a growing specialty foods company, this role offers both immediate impact and long-term career opportunity.