Ascent Supply Chain Analyst (Procurement & Production)

Ascent, a leading sports nutrition brand, is the Official Sponsor of Hard Work and is on a mission to unleash the high performer in everyone. We believe hard work should be fueled by clean, purposeful nutrition, and we're looking for someone who's ready to roll up their sleeves and help tell that story.

Within the Ascent Protein team located in Denver - we are seeking a Supply Chain Analyst (Procurement & Production) to help build the supply plans, supplier partnerships, and production strategies that keep our products moving and our growth on track. You will support ingredient procurement, co-manufacturing operations, inventory planning, and new product launches across a fast-growing business. Your work will directly support product availability, margin protection, and supply continuity as Ascent continues to expand.

At Leprino, starting compensation for this role typically ranges between $73,000 and $81,000. This position has an annual target bonus of 5%.

What You'll Do:

• Build procurement and production plans that support customer demand, inventory targets, and continued business growth.
• Partner with suppliers and co-manufacturers to coordinate raw materials, packaging, and finished goods production across the network.
• Review sales projections, inventory trends, and operational inputs to align purchasing and production decisions with demand.
• Build strong supplier relationships through routine communication, planning reviews, and issue resolution.
• Monitor ingredient and packaging inventory to reduce shortages, excess materials, and unnecessary write-offs.
• Support co-manufacturer production schedules to ensure finished goods are produced, released, and available on time.
• Review co-manufacturer performance related to quality, service, efficiency, and cost, while supporting improvement opportunities.
• Coordinate with warehouse and transportation partners to move finished goods efficiently through the distribution network.
• Build reporting tied to inventory, production output, supplier performance, and supply chain costs.
• Partner with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Innovation teams to support product launches, packaging transitions, and portfolio updates.
• Provide supply chain analysis that supports margin decisions, launch timing, material usage, and inventory planning.
• Support process improvements that strengthen planning accuracy, communication, and supply continuity across the business.

You Have At Least (Required Qualifications):

• A bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business, Food Science, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in supply chain planning, procurement, production planning, or manufacturing operations.
• Experience working with suppliers, co-manufacturers, contract manufacturers, or third-party logistics partners.
• Experience using ERP or inventory planning systems such as SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel to analyze inventory, purchasing, production, or supply chain data.

We Hope You Also Have (Preferred Qualifications):

• A master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business, or a related field.
• Experience supporting food, dairy, nutritional products, or consumer packaged goods manufacturing environments.
• Experience supporting co-packing, contract manufacturing, or ingredient procurement programs.
• An Association for Supply Chain Management certification such as CPIM or CSCP.
• Experience supporting new product launches, commercialization efforts, or packaging transitions in a regulated manufacturing environment.

At Ascent/Leprino, we believe in equal employment opportunity and make employment decisions based on each individual's unique talents, experience, skills, and knowledge; we do not discriminate on the basis of any personal characteristics. We know we are better together and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive culture in which all employees can thrive.

Offering You In Return:

A chance to be part of a global team of individuals passionate about producing and delivering high-quality products that help feed and nourish families around the world. Ascent/Leprino could not be where it is today without our incredible employees. That is why we share in our success together by rewarding you for your hard work. Hiring great people who are in it for the long run is our goal. Through competitive salaries and bonuses, life, medical/dental/vision coverage, voluntary benefits, employee assistance programs, wellness incentives, tuition assistance, vacation, ten paid holidays, sick time, paid parental leave, annual merit increases, as well as our Profit-Sharing & 401(k) plan. Your impact will be noticed and rewarded, as you seek to further our company, our customers, and one another.

Our Story:

Born from more than 75 years of dairy expertise, Ascent Protein is part of the Leprino family - the world's largest manufacturer of mozzarella and a leading global producer of dairy ingredients like whey protein and lactose. What started in the 1950s as Jim Leprino's small Denver cheese shop has evolved into a worldwide network of innovation and craftsmanship. At Ascent, we carry that legacy forward with clean, trusted sports nutrition made right here in the USA. Backed by science, built on real ingredients, and powered by Leprino's commitment to quality - we're just getting started. Will you join us?