National Beverage Corp. - Vice President, Ingredient Purchasing
National Beverage Corp.Location: Plantation, Florida (On-Site) Position Summary National Beverage Corp. is seeking a strategic, commercially driven Vice President, Ingredient Purchasing to lead the procurement, supplier management, and supply planning of all ingredients used in the production of its beverage portfolio. This executive leadership role is responsible for developing sourcing strategies, securing reliable supply, managing commodity risk, and negotiating commercial agreements for key ingredient categories including high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), beverage concentrates, sweeteners, acids, flavors, colorants, juice ingredients, carbon dioxide, and other dry and liquid ingredients. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the U.S. soft drink bottling industry, ingredient supply chains, commodity markets, and beverage manufacturing operations. The successful candidate will be a proven negotiator capable of developing strong supplier relationships while ensuring competitive costs, operational excellence, and uninterrupted supply for the business. This position is based full-time at National Beverage's headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Key Responsibilities Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Develop and execute sourcing strategies for all beverage ingredient categories. Identify, evaluate, and qualify alternative suppliers to improve cost competitiveness, reduce risk, and strengthen business continuity. Lead requests for proposals (RFPs), supplier selection processes, contract negotiations, and strategic sourcing initiatives. Develop long-term sourcing partnerships while maintaining competitive market tension among suppliers. Continuously monitor ingredient markets, supplier capabilities, industry developments, and emerging sourcing opportunities. Commodity & Market Management Maintain extensive knowledge of key ingredient cost drivers, including: High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) Corn and sweetener markets Beverage concentrates Flavors and flavor systems Acids and functional ingredients Dry ingredient blends Colorants Juice ingredients and fruit derivatives Carbon dioxide (CO₂) Transportation and energy inputs Monitor commodity market trends and forecast their impact on ingredient costs. Develop strategies to mitigate commodity volatility and support budget objectives. Manage commodity-based pricing structures, index mechanisms, escalator clauses, and cost pass-through provisions. Contract Negotiation & Commercial Management Negotiate supply agreements, pricing programs, service-level requirements, inventory commitments, and business continuity protections. Structure agreements that optimize total delivered cost while ensuring reliable supply. Manage executive-level supplier relationships and commercial discussions. Negotiate annual and multi-year contracts that support operational requirements and financial goals. Ensure appropriate contract terms related to performance standards, quality requirements, claims resolution, and regulatory compliance. Supply Planning & Forecasting Partner with Sales, Operations, Production, Finance, and Supply Chain teams to develop accurate ingredient demand forecasts. Align supplier production schedules and inventory strategies with company manufacturing plans. Manage ingredient capacity commitments and supply planning processes. Support annual budgeting, cost forecasting, long-range planning, and strategic growth initiatives. Monitor inventory levels and implement strategies to balance service requirements with working capital objectives. Supplier Performance & Quality Management Establish supplier scorecards and performance measurement systems. Conduct regular supplier business reviews and strategic planning discussions. Drive continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers related to service, quality, cost, and innovation. Lead resolution of ingredient quality concerns, shortages, supply interruptions, and corrective action programs. Manage claims related to quality defects, shortages, …