Sourcing Innovation Manager - Lindt USA

Job Description

The Sourcing Innovation Manager will be responsible for ensuring that all Procurement functions within the innovation cycle are properly managed and executed. This position will be immersed in project management from the initial innovation kickoff through the Stage-Gate milestones. This role will be evaluated based on the effective management of timelines and contracts, ensuring that projects are executed responsibly and cost-effectively, and that Procurement provides the necessary support to implement innovations across the entire supply chain. This role is crucial in supporting and unlocking continued growth and driving value. In addition to innovation management, this role is also responsible for supporting Lindt US through procurement savings and supply security/assurance projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Cost Savings and Assurance Projects
  
  
  
  • Facilitate ideation sessions to identify cost savings and value-driven design opportunities with internal teams and suppliers.
  • Implement cost savings projects in partnership with Commodity Sourcing, R&D, Packaging Engineering, Marketing, and Project Management teams.
  • Mitigate supply risks through creative, cross-functional solutions.
  • Drive contingency planning and resilience strategies to enhance supply chain flexibility.
  • Work with the Value Creation / Renovation team and Project Fitness team to report progress, cost savings, and status for Lindt US projects.
  • Develop and improve processes for tracking and reporting cost savings and risk mitigation.
  • Provide timely updates to leadership about project status and risks to support expedited decision-making.
  
  
  
  

• Sustainability
  
  
  
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders to advance Lindt US sustainability goals for packaging and ingredients.
  • Track and report progress on various sustainability initiatives, ensuring alignment with annual targets and deadlines.
  • Support Lindt US decarbonization goals.
  
  
  
  

• New Product Development
  
  
  
  • Support innovation projects through close collaboration with R&D, Packaging Engineering, and Project Management.
  • Aid product launches and item transitions in coordination with Material and Supply Planning teams and vendors.
  • Represent Procurement in innovation meetings to monitor progress and discuss challenges.
  • Partner with Sourcing Operations Analyst to ensure accurate item setup in Devex through basic and final stages.
  • Ensure pricing and contracts are properly documented in the system and available for ordering.
  • Provide project management expertise and collaborate with business partners to ensure timely execution of innovation initiatives.
  • Communicate project status and risks to stakeholders and leadership team to mitigate risk and enable swift decision-making.
  
  
  
  

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field. Advance / master's degree preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in supply chain (planning), Procurement, or other related roles.
• Proficient in systems including SAP, Coupa, Devex, ESCO, etc. and advanced analytical skills.
• Excellent negotiation, organizational, communication, and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

Personal Characteristics/Skills:

• Self-driven and self-motivated
• Project management skills
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Systemic thinker
• Effective communicator with the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders
• Results-focused, delivering measurable outcomes in cost savings, innovation, and process efficiencies
• Creative problem-solver for complex procurement and innovation challenges
• Skilled in building cross-functional partnerships internally and externally

Company Description

Lindt and Sprungli (North America) Inc. is the Supply Chain and Business Shared Services Company supporting the Lindt & Sprungli family of brands (Lindt USA, Ghirardelli Chocolates and Russell Stover Chocolates), headquartered in Kansas City, MO.

Employment by Lindt & Sprungli (North America) Inc. is contingent upon I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification, passing the urinalysis drug screen, and satisfactory employment and background checks.

Lindt & Sprungli (North America) Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation and gender identity, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, or any other status protected by law. Principals only, please.