Seward, Nebraska | $120,000–$150,000 base salary | Full-time

What if your next procurement role gave you the chance to create the function—not simply inherit it?

Insight Recruitment is partnering with a growing manufacturing business launching a new, technologically advanced production facility in Seward, Nebraska. We are searching for a commercially sharp, hands-on Procurement Manager who wants the ownership, visibility, and satisfaction of building purchasing operations from the ground up.

Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, you will establish the supplier relationships, contracts, purchasing controls, and processes that keep a new operation running. You will work closely with Finance, Quality, Production, and Operations, making decisions that influence cost, supply reliability, and the success of the entire facility.

Why this opportunity stands out

• Build and shape a procurement function from day one, with the opportunity to recommend the processes and tools that work best.
• Work directly with the COO and have meaningful input into supplier strategy, commercial agreements, and operational readiness.
• Manage a broad purchasing portfolio—from commodity-sensitive raw materials and packaging to consumables, spare parts, equipment, and future capital projects.
• Join a business with ambitious expansion plans and the potential for broader responsibility as the operation grows.
• Make your impact visible through better contracts, stronger suppliers, cost savings, and a reliable supply chain.

What you will own

• Create practical procurement processes, purchasing controls, supplier records, and contract-management practices for a new manufacturing facility.
• Source, assess, negotiate with, and manage suppliers across raw materials, packaging, chemicals and other consumables, MRO/spares, equipment, and applicable freight and services.
• Own supplier negotiations and commercial agreements, including pricing, terms, service expectations, renewals, and risk mitigation.
• Navigate commodity pricing and market movements; identify smart purchasing, contract, and price-risk opportunities.
• Collaborate with Quality, Production, Finance, and other stakeholders to align specifications, forecasts, budgets, supply continuity, and purchasing decisions.
• Help establish procurement workflows alongside the implementation of NetSuite ERP.
• Identify measurable savings and process improvements without compromising quality or operational readiness.
• As the operation develops, help determine how procurement may interact with material scheduling, inventory management, and production planning.

What makes you a strong match

• Approximately 7–10 years of progressive purchasing/procurement experience, with credible ownership of supplier relationships, negotiations, and commercial results.
• Hands-on experience buying in commodity-driven markets and understanding how changing prices affect purchasing decisions.
• A collaborative approach: you know how to work across departments, communicate clearly, and bring others with you.
• The initiative and judgment to build processes in an environment where the playbook is still being written. Experience in a startup, greenfield site, or process buildout is a major advantage; alternatively, you can clearly explain how you would establish the function and why your approach would work.
• A track record of negotiating value, improving supplier performance, reducing risk, or delivering measurable savings.
• Comfort using and adapting to ERP systems; NetSuite experience is welcome but not required.

Manufacturing or fast-moving consumer goods experience is strongly preferred, but we will consider accomplished procurement professionals from other sectors with relevant commodity exposure and the ability to manage complexity. Experienced Senior Buyers ready for a larger leadership opportunity are encouraged to apply. Prior people management, a specific degree, and procurement certifications are not prerequisites.

Compensation and work arrangement

Base salary: $120,000–$150,000, depending on experience. The employer offers health benefits, a 401(k), and potential relocation assistance. A performance bonus is planned; details are being finalized. PTO and paid-holiday specifics will be shared when confirmed.

The role may begin remotely while the Seward facility is being completed, with the expectation of onsite work in Seward once the site is occupied. The standard schedule is approximately 8 a.m.–5 p.m., with no routine weekend or on-call requirement. Expect occasional supplier travel, approximately six domestic trips annually, with possible international travel.

Ready to make your mark?

If you enjoy negotiating complex purchases, creating order where little infrastructure exists, and seeing your work make a measurable difference, we would welcome a confidential conversation. Apply through Insight Recruitment to learn more.