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Head of Procurement – Focus Markets

Hoboken, NJ

LIPTON Teas and Infusions is the biggest tea business in the world, with world class purpose driven brands such as Lipton, PG Tips and Pukka. As Lipton Teas and Infusions we are united in one purpose: growing a world of wellbeing through the regenerative power of plants.

 

In July 2022, CVC Capital Partners Fund VIII took over the full ownership of the LIPTON Teas and Infusions (formally ekaterra) business from its previous owner, Unilever. As a standalone entity with a dedicated single-category focus, Lipton T&I is even better positioned to lead the tea industry, delivering higher growth and value, and a greater impact on the wider world. With 11 production factories in four continents and tea growing estates in three countries, LIPTON Teas and Infusions is a profitable and growing business whose brands reach hundreds of millions of consumers. It has a presence in over 100 countries.

 

At LIPTON Teas and Infusions, we work alongside people who put consumer love at the heart of every decision. Diverse minds who celebrate new ideas, share our values and the commitment we have for the wellbeing of all. In return, we create an environment that gives our people space and freedom, where they can grow as leaders. A connected community where ideas can thrive. Where you explore new challenges. Learning all you need to master your field, and even more about yourself.

 

Be part of this amazing blend. Join our collective and help us grow a better world of wellbeing and a better you.

Job Title: Head of Procurement – Focus Markets

Job Status: Full-time, permanent

Work Location: Hoboken, New Jersey

Your Role

As Head of Procurement – Focus Markets at Lipton Teas and Infusions, you hold a pivotal strategic leadership role, overseeing the full spectrum of technical and commercial procurement across tea, raw materials, and packaging for North America, Europe, and the UK.

You are accountable for managing the total cost of ownership, while ensuring product excellence through best-in-class quality, tea blend performance, cost, cash, and sustainability performance. You will lead a team of Tea buyers and blenders covering Lipton Focus Markets.

Acting as a key bridge between regional priorities and the Global Procurement function, you align local strategies and goals with global objectives to drive competitive advantage across the value chain.

Leading a high-performing procurement team and working closely with R&I, Finance, Supply Chain, and Quality, you play a central role in delivering business growth, financial results, and responsibly sourced, market-leading products across your regions.

Your Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Category Management

  • Develop regional sourcing strategies (where it is required), aligned with global procurement objectives and goals.
  • Co-create and execute global material sourcing strategies in your regions.
  • Lead cost optimization, cash improvement, supplier consolidation, and value engineering initiatives.
  • Bring market, supplier, and competitor insight into the business units, providing optimum forecast pricing and trends while supporting strategic stocking decisions for both tea buying and blending.
  • Lead the team in weekly correct tasting and classification of Teas in relevant channels, including executing buying plans to deliver efficiency as per plan.

Supplier Relationship Management

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with strategic suppliers to ensure consistent quality, service, and innovation.
  • Negotiate contracts and terms with key regional and local suppliers.
  • Ensure supplier compliance with food safety, regulations, sustainability, and ethical sourcing standards.

Cross-functional & Regional Alignment

  • Collaborate with operations, R&I, Supply Chain, and Finance teams to align procurement plans with production, innovation, and financial targets.
  • Be the key decision-maker and advisor, serving as the primary point of contact for direct procurement in the North American market.
  • Collaborate with the Global Tea, Herbal, and Packaging network to provide demand requirements for raw and packaging materials, working with relevant SAP/Icron tools.

Risk & Supply Chain Management

  • Identify and mitigate supply risks (e.g., geopolitical, climate, commodity price volatility).
  • Lead business continuity planning and supplier diversification strategies.
  • Ensure inventory optimization and OTIF (On Time In Full) delivery performance.

People Leadership & Capability Building

  • Lead and develop regional procurement teams; foster talent development, build an inclusive culture, and create an engaged, high-performing function.
  • Lead the team for correct tasting and classification of Teas and categorization as per Tea Lingo for all channels.
  • Lead discussions with Co-ordination and align buying solutions proposed by Icron.

Sustainability & Compliance

  • Drive responsible sourcing and sustainability targets in procurement practices.
  • Ensure compliance with food safety, ESG, and regulatory standards across the supply base.

Procurement Operations

  • Manage the blending team in weekly tea tasting, blend issuance OTIF and on spec (PBBS).
  • Support Blend Demand requirements enabling 98.5% Customer Service delivery against forecast.
  • Provide full Market input into all R&I black and green tea development projects within the region in collaboration with the Tea Expertise manager in R&I.
  • Propose, agree, and deliver stock norms.
  • Own and ensure all master data for Tea-specific SAP and Icron systems is updated on time and in full.

Skills and Experience

  • Proven expertise in tea procurement, blending, and supplier management.
  • Strong commercial acumen with a track record in cost optimization, supplier negotiations, and risk management.
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams and driving regional/global alignment.
  • Deep understanding of sustainability, ESG compliance, and responsible sourcing practices.
  • Strong leadership and people development skills, with experience building inclusive and high-performing teams.
  • Advanced proficiency in SAP/Icron systems and procurement data management.
  • Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills across global and regional functions.

 

A Great Place to Grow 

Here at LIPTON Teas and Infusions, we grow a world of wellbeing to generate value for all. 

  • Grow your LEADERSHIP – Thought leader or people leader, we want to help you to truly realise your potential. With a strong internal nurturing network and a focus on your development, you can grow your leadership with us. When you grow, the world around you will grow.
  • Grow your VALUE - To foster your learning, we offer big, fulfilling roles within an empowering and entrepreneurial climate. You will have the space to take ownership and to make your mark – and you will be rewarded for the value that you create.
  • Grow your IMPACT – We are unique in our industry - from our tea estates to our factories, labs and offices, we innovate sustainably and drive value for all. We grow a world of wellbeing, from seed to sip. You can truly leave your mark on our company and on the planet -through the meaningful work that you do. 

 

Benefits & Perks 

  • Comprehensive insurance plans - health, dental + disability and life Insurance
  • 401(k) with 5% company matching + an extra 4% after your first year
  • Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Accounts
  • Generous time off including paid vacation, company holidays, and floating holidays
  • Parental Leave - Primary & Secondary
  • Learning and development reimbursement

 

LIPTON Teas and Infusions is an organization committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. We are interested in every individual bringing their whole self to work and this includes you! Therefore if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.

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