McCain Foods · 15 hours ago
Vegetable Purchasing Lead
Appleton, WI
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid, Senior Level
$82K/yr - $109K/yrMcCain Foods is a global family-owned company that emphasizes creating exceptional work experiences. The Vegetable Purchasing Lead is responsible for managing relationships with growers and suppliers, overseeing crop success, and driving sustainable outcomes through data-driven decision-making and collaboration with internal stakeholders.
Food and BeverageFood ProcessingFood TrucksSnack Food
Responsibilities
Build and manage strong relationships with sweet potato growers and suppliers through regular field, storage, and plant visits
Own sweet potato crop oversight, including COP management, raw scheduling, quality checks, storage monitoring, and load-out execution
Partner closely with manufacturing to review raw material performance and support factory customer service needs
Lead supplier onboarding, new vendor/item approvals, and support new product and R&D initiatives
Manage SAP and Coupa processes including contracts, forecasting, purchase orders, and payment workflows
Drive inventory management, inbound logistics coordination, and raw material ordering as needed
Identify regional and supplier synergies while leading continuous improvement and cost-savings initiatives
Collect and analyze on-farm data using digital tools to generate insights and support sustainability programs and storytelling
Serve as backup support for senior agricultural leadership and related procurement responsibilities
Own and lead SOE meetings and cross-functional agricultural workstreams
Qualification
Required
Self-starter mindset with the ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and solve problems in a fast-paced environment
Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to influence without authority
Ability to build trust, inspire growers, and align partners around a shared vision for crop success
Creative and analytical problem-solving skills grounded in sound business judgment
Strong financial and analytical acumen, including comfort with Excel and forecasting
Customer-focused mindset, with manufacturing facilities viewed as key internal customers
Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Agricultural Economics, or a related field
Hands-on experience working with one or more specialty crops and directly with growers or IQF suppliers
Passion for digital tools, data-driven decision-making, and sustainable agriculture practices
Proven ability to analyze data and translate insights into clear, actionable recommendations that drive business results
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) to enhance productivity and communication
Strong communication skills with the ability to engage professionally and respectfully with growers across regions
Preferred
Spanish language fluency would be helpful to support our growers in Mexico, Central America and South America, but is not required
Benefits
Health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription drug)
Retirement savings benefits
Leave support including medical, family and bereavement
Vacation and holidays
Company-supported volunteering time
Mental health resources
Company
McCain Foods
McCain Foods is a family-owned business and manufacturer of frozen potato products and a global leader in prepared appetizers and snacks
Founded in 1957
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Angelo Buscemi
IT Business Partner - Human Resource & Commercial
Kathi Masters- Johnson
Talent Acquisition Partner | Manufacturing - Rice Lake, WI
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