Buyer Jr

Purpose of Role:

It is critical that this Jr. Buyer have a proactive approach to long term and contingency planning – addressing day-to-day operating issues as well as providing strategic input to demand and commercial planning. Key areas of focus will encompass several areas of supply chain: supplier performance management, multi-level bills of materials, planning and forecasting, product specifications, data analysis, cost analysis, master data management, capacity planning & the ability to drive, measure and manage year over year cost productivity, continuous improvement initiatives and other key metrics.

Role Requirements:

·         Maintain ingredient supply plan by calculating multi-level bills of material from provided finished goods forecasts and product formulas. Regularly update and communicate these forecasts through monthly distribution to all key suppliers.

·         Team long range supplier planning sessions annually.

·         Help to resolve short term supply issues through supplier collaboration and effective communication, alternate sourcing and utilizing contingencies and propose long term changes to ensure a consistent product supply

·         Source and qualify ingredients for returning products in coordination with R&D chefs, commercial team, and food safety and quality staff.

·         Be able to assist, as needed with negotiating pricing and delivery with suppliers. Communicate the negotiated purchasing information for specialty ingredients to product manufacturers.

·         Understand produce planting cycles, communicate requirements to growers, grower representatives and produce processors to ensure adequate supply of fresh items from annual harvests.

·         Understand market conditions related to specialty ingredients and contract requirements for items such as fruit, nuts, seasonal Veg. etc. Calculate requirements and arrange contracts with suppliers and Director of Procurement.

·         Create and manage purchase orders and coordinate finished good pick-ups with suppliers, transportation, and scheduling teams.

·         Develop, execute, and validate cost savings and other purchasing projects.

·         Participate in weekly meetings to understand production schedules, new products, open orders, and supply issues and work quickly to resolve any issues.

·         Work within multiple product categories to ensure complete supply chain loop.

·         Adhere to product replenishment and inventory control processes.

·         Ability to work flex scheduling as applied to business needs (nights, weekends, holidays).

Job Responsibilities:

·         Product replenishment of assigned categories.

·         Inventory control and improvement.

·         Negotiate pricing, transportation and payment terms with vendors.

·         Provide ordering and troubleshooting of orders.

·         Create strategies to improve categories.

·         Monitor inventory levels and resolve discrepancies.

·         Using ERP application compile data and reporting.

·         Contact vendors in order to schedule or expedite deliveries and to resolve shortages, missed or late deliveries, and other problems.

·         Source new items through various research channels.  Order samples and follow up with the R&D Department to determine usability.

·         Authorize payment of invoices or return of merchandise.

·         Confer with other departments regarding upcoming projects and possible pitfalls.

·         Conduct and participate in vendor meetings and business reviews.

·         Prepare and distribute vendor communication.

·         Partner with Accounting Department to resolve discrepancies.

·         Represent the department in the absence of the Manager.

·         Respond to questions from other departments in a timely and thorough fashion

·         Additional duties as required

Work Experience and Qualifications Expected:

• 1-3 years purchasing or comparable supply or demand planning experience.
• Experience in the food industry preferably in production, planning or purchasing.
• Highly proficient in spreadsheets and data tools (Excel, Google Sheets)
• Thorough understanding of supply planning parameters (LT, MOQ, safety stock, BOMs, etc.).
• Proven ability to work independently as well as collaboratively. A roll-up the sleeves, can-do attitude. Highly adaptable, high sense of urgency and resourceful. Quick study.
• Must be able to manage and communicate complex timelines and meet deadlines.
• Highly organized and excellent verbal and written communication skills. Data driven negotiator. Able to manage multiple priorities.
• Preferred experience writing and managing Request for Quotes (RFQ) and/or Proposals (RFP).
• Experience evaluating and managing commodities. Experience with food products, flavors and spices is a must.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent food industry/CPG experience.
• Have prior success working in a professional business environment, purchasing or material planning experience preferred
• Manage own time and organize workload with minimal supervision

·         Demonstrate above-average computer skills particularly spreadsheet, database and internet research skills

·         Have experience with ERP applications is a plus

·         Possess intermediate math skills including algebra and statistics

·         Exercise sound judgment and demonstrate advanced problem-solving ability

·         Communicate clearly and effectively with emphasis on phone and e-mail skills

·         Be punctual and conscientious with regard to all company policies and procedures