Junior Procurement Associate

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Vision insurance

Location: Hayward
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
Department: Procurement & Supply Chain
Employment Type: Full-Time
FLSA: Non-Exempt

Summary

Nob Hill Catering DBA The Lunch Master is the pioneer in preparing and distributing high quality meals to local schools. The Lunch Master has worked successfully with 100+ Bay Area, Central Valley and Los Angeles schools for more than 20 years to provide delicious, nutritious meals that kids and adults like, eat and enjoy.

The Lunch Master is seeking a highly organized, detail-driven Associate Buyer to support our procurement operations and ensure that our supply chain runs smoothly and efficiently. You will work closely with our COO, who leads all procurement strategy and vendor negotiations.

Your role is to bring structure, accuracy, and operational rigor to the day-to-day buying process—ensuring ingredients meet nutritional standards, purchases flow correctly into our planning systems, and storage/logistics remain cost-efficient.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who understands the rhythm of school food service—menu cycles, nutritional compliance, vendor lead times—and wants to be part of a mission-driven company serving K-12 students every day.

Key Responsibilities

1. Vendor Specification Management

Collect and validate product specifications, ingredient statements, CN labels, allergen profiles, and packaging details from all approved vendors.

Ensure complete documentation is provided to the dietitian for nutritional analysis andmenu compliance.

Maintain an accurate, up-to-date database of product specifications, updating promptly when vendors make changes.

2. Purchase Entry & Materials Planning Support

Enter all purchase orders accurately and on time into the procurement or ERP system.

Ensure clean and timely data flow to support production planning and inventory management.

Identify and escalate discrepancies between ordered and delivered items.

3. Menu Planning & Procurement Alignment

Learn the weekly and monthly menu planning process, understanding productionforecasts and menu cycles.

• Partner with the COO to identify procurement gaps, supply risks, or cost-saving opportunities.
• Monitor vendor performance and product availability, escalating risks proactively.

4. Storage & Logistics Oversight

• Manage relationships with outside storage and logistics partners to ensure efficient dispatch, inbound deliveries, and cost control.
• Track inventory in external storage to ensure FIFO rotation and minimize waste.
• Coordinate with vendors and internal teams to streamline delivery scheduling and inbound logistics.
• Other Duties & responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

Required:

• 2+ years of experience in procurement, purchasing, food service operations, supply chain, or related fields.
• Exceptional attention to detail with strong organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced production environment.
• Strong communication skills across teams (dietitian, operations, logistics, COO).
• Proficiency with Excel and purchasing or inventory management systems.

Preferred:

• Experience in K-12 nutrition, school meal programs, or child nutrition compliance.
• Familiarity with USDA requirements, CN labels, allergen management, and menu production processes.
• Experience with ERP, MRP, or digital procurement platforms.

Work Environment

The Associate Buyer works primarily in an office-based environment within a food manufacturing and distribution facility. The role requires regular interaction with cross-functional teams, including procurement, operations, logistics, quality assurance, and nutrition staff.

Occasional time may be spent in warehouse, cold storage, or production support areas to verify inventory, coordinate inbound deliveries, or review storage and logistics operations. These areas may involve refrigerated or freezer temperatures, moderate noise levels, and adherence to food safety and PPE requirements.

This is a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment that supports daily meal production for K-12 school programs. The role requires frequent use of computers, purchasing systems, and spreadsheets, as well as consistent communication with vendors and internal stakeholders throughout the workday.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made in accordance with applicable laws.

• Primarily sedentary work, requiring extended periods of sitting and computer use.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, data entry, and document handling.
• Ability to communicate clearly in person, by phone, and electronically.
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching when visiting warehouse or storage areas.
• Ability to occasionally lift, push, or carry up to 25 pounds (e.g., sample products, documentation boxes, or small inventory items).
• Ability to work in varying…