PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST

Job Title: Procurement Specialist
Department: Supply Chain
Position Reports to: Vendor & Sourcing Manager
Employment: W2 Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt
Location: St. Augustine, FL Distribution Center (Distribution Center will be relocating to Palm Coast, FL).

You’re here! This can only mean one thing; you want to add a bit of SPICE to your life! At The Spice & Tea Exchange®, our mission is to Create and Share the Experience of a More Flavorful Life. Are you the best at what you do and want to love where you work? We are currently seeking a dynamic and passionate Procurement Specialist to help us bring our mission to life every day with our vendors, guests, franchise owners, and our team members. If this sounds like you, come grab a seat at our table! Apply now, and let your culinary imagination run wild with us!

Position Purpose:
The Procurement Specialist is responsible for sourcing products, assembly materials, and supplies from vendors to ensure timely availability according to demand plans in StockTrim. This role involves analyzing demand planning performance indicators to enhance preparedness and customer service. The Specialist will develop and communicate demand plans for effective supply planning, evaluate vendor quotes and shipping options for cost efficiency, and manage product inspection and warehouse inventory dating. Through these efforts, the Procurement Specialist supports efficient supply chain operations and stakeholder satisfaction.

Essential job functions include but are not limited to:

• Run StockTrim updates and respond to demand for purchased materials and supplies on a daily or as-needed basis. Follow up with suppliers to ensure order confirmations are received and meet schedule requirements.
• Monitor inventory levels to prevent shortages or overstock. Coordinate with the production and warehouse teams to ensure timely replenishment of materials.
• Create and process purchase orders (POs), track deliveries, and manage discrepancies in shipments. Ensure timely payment processing for suppliers and adherence to contractual terms.
• Work closely with quality control to ensure all procured materials meet required specifications and standards. Investigate and resolve quality issues related to suppliers.
• Partner with production, planning, PMSI, marketing and logistics teams to ensure procurement needs align with production schedules, promotional activity and inventory levels.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings in procurement activities while maintaining product quality and production timelines. Analyze market trends and forecast pricing for materials and goods.
• Audit daily receiving activity to assure receiving and inventory accuracy.
• Communicate purchased material quality concerns to peers and suppliers, coordinating corrective actions and short-term mitigation. Obtain material return authorization, credit memos and replacement actions as necessary.
• Resolve Supplier quality issues, purchase order accounting issues and problem receipts.
• Exercise judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate actions in line with company policies of good, ethical purchasing practices.
• All other duties not previously mentioned, as needed and required by the company.

Knowledge and Job Requirements:

• High School Diploma/GED, Bachelors Degree in Supply Chain Management, Finance, or Accounting a plus.
• Minimum of Five years’ experience in similar positions within Supply Chain for a Distributor or Wholesale operation.
• Strong demand planning, forecasting and organizational skills with a proactive approach.
• Advanced ability in Microsoft Excel, and forecasting & replenishment technology such as StockTrim or similar.
• Skilled in process workflows and maintaining attention to detail throughout the procurement process.
• Excellent verbal and written communication with a strong business acumen and tactful approach.
• Adept in building and maintaining productive relationships with suppliers and collaborators and upholding high standards of customer service.
• Well versed in shipping software for UPS and USPS.
• Capable of independent work and team collaboration.
• Conducts self with a high degree of integrity, accountability, and positive influence.

Physical Requirements to perform the essential functions of this job:

• Consistent ability to utilize hands and fingers to perform tasks as necessary for job duties, which may include operating machinery, handling materials, typing, and designing (8 hours per day).
• Consistent capacity for visual acuity to monitor processes, examine materials and labels, and ensure quality standards are met (8 hours per day).
• Consistently communicate in English utilizing both written and oral methods including the use of speech and hearing to communicate effectively with team members, customers, and the ability to engage in verbal discussions and listen attentively (8 hours per day).
• Consistent ability to perform various physical tasks that require continuous standing (8 hours per day), sitting (8 hours per day), walking (8 hours per day), bending (3-5 hours per day), reaching (8 hours per day), squatting, (3-5 hours per day), lifting; up to 55 lbs. (8 hours per day), overhead lifting (3-5 hours per day), carrying (8 hours per day), pushing/pulling (3-5 hours per day), climbing ladders and stairs (8 hours per day), and maneuvering within a warehouse workspace (8 hours per day).
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks (8 hours per day).
• Ability to visually identify color, substance, products, and their characteristics (8 hours per day).
• Operation of, but not limited to, stocking, picking, inventory, packaging, kitchen, and computer tools and equipment (8 hours per day).
• Consistently work around spices; must not be sensitive or allergic to various scents, spices, fruits, extracts, aromas, or personal protective equipment (latex gloves) (8 hours per day).

While we will make every attempt to provide reasonable accommodation, such accommodation may not alter the fundamental requirements of the job, cause undue hardship, safety risk, or interfere with the ability to perform essential functions. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to supporting your needs within the scope of our commitment to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

Core Values:

• Commitment; relationship builder, open minded.
• Innovation; continuous industry awareness and development.
• Passionate analyzer; procurement and cost savings awareness.
• Adaptable and resourceful.
• Passionate problem solver.
• Determination, results driven.
• Proactive; bias for action.
• Accountability; honest communication, transparency.
• Enthusiastic about food and beverage.
• Teamwork; team-oriented and eager to grow within the company.

Spicy Perks:

• Medical, dental, vision and other ancillary benefits.
• 401k plan company match.
• Flexible spending account (FSA) for medical and/or dependent care.
• 100% Company paid Basic Life and AD&D insurance.
• Paid time off (PTO) during first year, following 90 days of employment.
• 7 Paid Holidays.
• Employee product discounts.
• Quarterly “Create & Share”, free product gifts.
• Annual “Holiday Bucks” with access to select personalized gifts for yourself or loved ones over the Holidays.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The Spice & Tea Exchange® provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
The Company prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Drug Free Workplace
The Spice & Tea Exchange® is committed to maintaining a safe and productive work environment. The company policy states, all applicants must complete a drug screening test if accepting an offer of employment. Employment offers are contingent upon a negative drug screening test result.