Procurement Manager

Procurement Manager Department: Procurement Reports To: Procurement Director FLSA Status: Exempt Location: Crookston, MN (on-site / hybrid) Classification: Individual Contributor with growth potential

Position Overview

The Procurement Manager sources and purchases sunflower seed from growers, cooperatives, and suppliers to support the company's production needs. This position serves as a primary relationship manager with sunflower growers, provides market-driven procurement leadership, and supports long-term seed development and supply strategy through data-driven decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Grower Relations
• Source, negotiate, and manage grower contracts and open acreage to ensure

adequate supply, quality, and cost competitiveness.
• Serve as the primary company representative to sunflower growers; build and

maintain strong, long-term relationships through regular field visits and industry engagement.

• Analyze local and global market trends, supply/demand conditions, and pricing to inform purchasing decisions.

• Maintain accurate records of contracts, purchases, and market activity.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, regulatory

requirements, and sustainability goals. Operational & Cross-Functional Support

• Advise growers on agronomic practices, insurance requirements, and regulatory compliance.

• Monitor crop conditions during the growing season to support forecasting and inventory planning.

• Coordinate with logistics, transportation, and quality teams to ensure timely delivery and quality standards.

• Assist in identifying optimal seed production locations based on quality, storage, and transportation considerations.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong relationship-building and negotiation skills with growers and agricultural partners.

• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
• Analytical mindset with strong decision-making and attention to detail.
• Understanding of agricultural supply chains, logistics, and operational impacts.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, ERP systems, Outlook, and Teams.
• Commitment to GMP, food safety, and company standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Business, Economics, Supply Chain, Operations, or a related field.

• 5+ years of agricultural-related experience.
• Experience with sunflower and hybrid seed, or other specialized commodities, such

as dry beans, peas, flax, lentils, or similar crops; preferred
• Experience in sunflower procurement, seed production, operations, or seed sales;

preferred

Travel & Work Environment

• Approximately 60% travel, including occasional overnight stays.
• Combination of office and field work in controlled and uncontrolled environments.
• Physical demands range from sedentary to moderate, with occasional lifting up to

50 lbs.