Organic Buyer

Job Description

Eden Foods - Clinton, Mich. (Lenawee Co.) seeks a reliable, competent Purchasing Department professional. Some travel. Accuracy, computer skill, and an eagerness to learn are essential. Buyer and supplier relationship development role. Good work, good mission.

Purchasing Agent/Procurement Technician/Buyer

Reports to:

Purchasing Manager

Eden Foods is looking for a Purchasing Department team member to manage supplier relationships and help facilitate the efficient supply of authentic, natural, and organic items for its customers. The primary goal is to make rational decisions to maintain proper inventory levels through healthy relations on the supply side while integrating these processes efficiently into the company’s business systems.

• Identify, evaluate, and source suppliers, negotiating prices and terms to meet annual supply needs.
• Farm and vendor visits require occasional overnight travel.
• Interface personally and through business systems with Purchasing Department members and other company Department personnel as necessary.
• Maintain updated and accurate data in the Product Information Database (PID).
• Insert facts about farms, foods, and packaging into the PID for access by other departments and agencies.
• Acquire facts and data necessary to create and maintain current, up-to-date Eden Specification Sheets for items purchased.
• Issue detailed and accurate purchase orders (P.O.s).
• Maintain knowledge of order status to ensure on-time delivery.
• Maintain intelligent inventory levels, maximize inventory turns, and identify potential shortages or overstocking.
• Communicate with Operations / Inventory Management to keep them in the loop.
• Negotiate favorable terms and prices with Eden suppliers.
• Manage contract data and necessary communications with suppliers.
• Maintain detail and paperwork related to supplier contracts.
• Maintain data necessary for accurate landed cost of goods purchased.
• Remain aware of industry and item market prices to ensure competitive pricing.
• Identify opportunities for cost reductions and recommend best practices for business systems and purchased‑goods handling.
• Ensure that purchased goods and services meet Eden Foods’ quality standards, specifications, and requirements.
• Track P.O.s and prepare reports on supplier performance.
• Be knowledgeable about purchasing trends and Sales Department projections.

• Analytical and problem‑solving.
• Strong interpersonal and factual communication skills for interacting with vendors and colleagues.
• Effective and efficient verbal and written communication skills.
• An openness to learning Eden Foods’ business and having full command of products and vendor relationships.
• Clean, authentic organic food is a core responsibility at Eden.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive or a complete explanation of duties. Employees are required to perform duties as assigned by their supervisor or management. Eden reserves the right to modify job duties and responsibilities as needed. Job descriptions do not constitute or imply an employment contract.

Eden Foods is the oldest natural and organic food company in North America and the largest independent manufacturer of dry grocery organic foods. Based in Michigan about twenty miles southwest of Ann Arbor, we manage grower relations, manufacturing, trucking, quality control, customer and retailer services, marketing, import/export, accounting, databases and websites. Over 95% of our foods are sold in natural food stores, co‑ops, and supermarkets via traditional natural and grocery distribution channels.

All products move through one of our warehouses in either southeast Michigan or central California.

Eden Foods is a principled natural food company and developing organization. Quality people of good character are what keeps us going and growing. We seek to contribute to the realization of a better world. Eden Foods is an excellent career opportunity.