Buyer

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Buyer to manage the procurement of ingredients, packaging materials, and other supplies for our food manufacturing operations. This role involves sourcing high-quality materials at competitive prices, maintaining strong vendor relationships, and ensuring timely delivery to meet production schedules. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of food manufacturing requirements, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Duties:

• Source and procure ingredients, packaging, and other materials required for production while maintaining quality and cost efficiency.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms with suppliers to achieve the best value for the company.
• Maintain relationships with existing vendors and identify potential new suppliers to diversify and strengthen the supply chain.
• Ensure timely delivery of materials to meet production schedules and avoid disruptions.
• Monitor inventory levels, collaborate with inventory and warehouse teams, and place orders as needed.
• Evaluate supplier performance regularly, addressing issues such as quality, delivery, and responsiveness.
• Stay up to date on market trends, including fluctuations in raw material prices and availability.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and standards, such as FDA, USDA, HACCP, and GMP.
• Manage purchase orders, invoices, and related documentation with accuracy and timeliness.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, quality assurance, and logistics, to align purchasing activities with company goals.
• Respond to customer and supplier inquiries about order status, changes, or cancellations.
• Contact suppliers to schedule or expedite deliveries and to resolve shortages, missed or late deliveries, and other problems.
• Review requisition orders to verify accuracy, terminology, and specifications.
• Prepare, maintain, and review purchasing files, reports and price lists.
• Compare prices, specifications, and delivery dates to determine the best bid among potential suppliers.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree and/or 4 years’ experience in the food industry in similar role. Excellent negotiation skills; Detail oriented. Proficient in Microsoft office suites; Administrative experience in inventory control, materials purchasing and operations reporting. Strong communication, organization and team-oriented skills; Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Advanced math and literacy. ERP experience a plus.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a growing and innovative food manufacturing team.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.