Role Overview for VP, Global Supply Chain Sourcing with a Food & Beverage Co. – Minneapolis, MN
JRG Partners, a premier executive search firm specializing in placing top-tier talent, is proud to partner with a confidential, market-leading, and innovative Food & Beverage company headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. Our client is a household name, renowned for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and consumer satisfaction. We are seeking a transformative and strategic leader to join their executive team as the Vice President of Global Supply Chain Sourcing. This is a pivotal role responsible for architecting and executing a world-class global sourcing strategy that supports the company’s aggressive growth plans while navigating the complexities of a dynamic global market.
The VP of Global Supply Chain Sourcing will be a visionary leader with a deep understanding of the food and beverage industry’s unique challenges and opportunities. Reporting directly to the Chief Supply Chain Officer, this individual will oversee all aspects of strategic sourcing and procurement, including raw materials, ingredients, packaging, and indirect goods and services. The ideal candidate will be a master negotiator, a strategic thinker, and an inspirational leader capable of building a high-performance team and fostering strong, collaborative relationships with suppliers around the world. You will be responsible for driving significant value through cost optimization, risk mitigation, innovation, and sustainability initiatives. This role requires a leader who can balance short-term financial objectives with long-term strategic goals, ensuring a resilient, agile, and cost-effective supply chain that serves as a competitive advantage for the organization.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Global Supply Chain Sourcing with a Food & Beverage Co. – Minneapolis, MN
The VP of Global Supply Chain Sourcing will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, including but not limited to:
Global Sourcing Strategy Development & Execution
Design, implement, and continuously refine a comprehensive global sourcing strategy that aligns with the company’s overall business objectives. Develop multi-year category strategies for all key spend areas, including agricultural commodities, direct ingredients, primary and secondary packaging, and indirect services. Conduct in-depth market analysis and leverage industry intelligence to identify trends, opportunities, and potential risks.
Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)
Cultivate and manage strategic relationships with a global network of key suppliers. Develop a robust SRM program that includes supplier segmentation, performance scorecards, and regular executive business reviews. Collaborate with partners to drive innovation, improve quality, and create mutual value. Act as the primary point of escalation for resolving critical supplier issues.
Cost Optimization and Value Creation
Lead the organization’s efforts to achieve significant cost savings and total cost of ownership (TCO) reductions. Champion value engineering and should-cost modeling initiatives in partnership with R&D and Operations. Master the art of negotiation for complex, high-value contracts, ensuring favorable terms, pricing, and conditions for the company.
Risk Management and Supply Chain Resilience
Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate risks within the global supply chain. Develop and implement robust contingency plans to ensure supply continuity in the face of geopolitical instability, climate events, and market volatility. Enhance supply chain visibility and traceability, particularly for critical raw materials.
Team Leadership and Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and inspire a global team of sourcing and procurement professionals. Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement. Establish clear goals and performance metrics for the team, and provide ongoing coaching and development to build organizational capability. Structure the department for optimal efficiency and effectiveness.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a key business partner to leaders across the organization, including Operations, R&D, Quality Assurance, Finance, and Marketing. Ensure the sourcing function is fully integrated into the new product development process, providing critical input on material selection, cost, and supplier capability from the earliest stages.
Quality, Compliance, and Sustainability
Uphold the company’s uncompromising commitment to quality and food safety. Partner with the Quality team to ensure all suppliers meet and exceed stringent standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, USDA, GFSI). Champion the company’s sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals by promoting ethical sourcing practices, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing supplier diversity.
Requirements for the VP, Global Supply Chain Sourcing with a Food & Beverage Co. – Minneapolis, MN
We are seeking a candidate with a proven track record of success in senior supply chain leadership roles within complex, global organizations. The ideal qualifications include:
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, and supply chain management, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership capacity overseeing a global team.
Industry Expertise
Deep and direct experience within the Food & Beverage or Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry is mandatory. The candidate must have a thorough understanding of sourcing agricultural commodities, direct food ingredients (e.g., proteins, grains, dairy, sweeteners), and food-grade packaging materials.
Strategic Acumen
Demonstrated ability to think strategically and develop long-term plans that create competitive advantage. Proven experience in transforming a procurement organization from a tactical function to a strategic, value-adding partner.
Negotiation and Analytical Skills
World-class negotiation skills with a history of successfully executing multi-million dollar global contracts. Exceptional analytical and financial acumen, with expertise in cost modeling, spend analytics, and market analysis.
Leadership and Influence
An authentic and inspirational leader with a proven ability to build, develop, and motivate high-performing teams. Must possess executive presence and the ability to influence and align stakeholders at all levels of the organization, up to and including the C-suite.
Technical Proficiency
High proficiency with modern ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and procurement technologies (e.g., Ariba, Coupa).
Certifications
Professional certifications such as a Certified Supply Chain Officer (CSCO) or Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) are highly desirable.
Global Mindset
Must be comfortable and effective working across different cultures and time zones. Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as required (approximately 25-30%).
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top talent. This includes:
- Competitive Base Salary and Executive Annual Bonus Program
- Long-Term Incentive Plan (Stock Options, RSUs, or similar equity-based compensation)
- Comprehensive Health & Wellness Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision) for you and your family
- Generous 401(k) Retirement Plan with a strong company match
- Substantial Paid Time Off (PTO), including vacation, sick days, and company holidays
- Full Relocation Assistance Package for qualified candidates
- Executive-level professional development and continuing education support
- Employee Wellness Programs and onsite fitness facilities
- Generous employee discount on company products
How to Apply
If you are a visionary supply chain leader with the experience and passion to drive strategic sourcing excellence for a global food and beverage powerhouse, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity. JRG Partners is committed to connecting exceptional leaders with transformative roles. To learn more about our expertise in this sector, please visit our Supply Chain & Operations Executive Search practice page. To be considered for this confidential search, please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your qualifications and accomplishments. JRG Partners is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all candidates.
