Back Button

Purchasing Agent - Food Manufacturing

We are seeking a detail-oriented Purchasing Agent to manage domestic purchasing and procurement activities for our food manufacturing operations. The Purchasing Agent will source suppliers, negotiate pricing and terms, issue purchase orders, monitor inventory levels, and work closely with production, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure timely, cost-effective procurement of ingredients, packaging, and MRO items. Bilingual Spanish skills are required to support communication with Spanish-speaking suppliers and partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Source, evaluate, and qualify suppliers for ingredients, packaging, and services in support of food manufacturing production.
• Negotiate prices, terms, and contracts to achieve cost savings while maintaining quality and service standards.
• Create, issue, and manage purchase orders (POs) and ensure accurate, timely order confirmations and delivery schedules.
• Monitor inventory levels and collaborate with inventory control and production planning to prevent stockouts and excess inventory.
• Perform cost analysis, total cost of ownership assessments, and identify opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement.
• Coordinate with quality assurance and regulatory teams to ensure purchased materials meet food safety and compliance requirements.
• Manage supplier performance, maintain supplier records, and resolve supply issues, delays, and discrepancies.
• Use Excel and ERP systems to track purchasing metrics, maintain data accuracy, and produce regular procurement reports.
• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders (production, logistics, finance) to align procurement with production schedules and budget targets.
• Support domestic purchasing initiatives and develop strong relationships with local suppliers; assist with international procurement as needed, leveraging bilingual Spanish skills when applicable.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 years of purchasing or procurement experience, ideally within food manufacturing or food purchasing/procurement environments.
• Proven experience with purchase orders, inventory management, and domestic purchasing processes.
• Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, data analysis) and experience with ERP/MRP systems.
• Experience conducting cost analysis, negotiating supplier contracts, and achieving measurable cost savings.
• Knowledge of food safety, regulatory requirements, and quality standards relevant to food manufacturing.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; bilingual Spanish (spoken and written) preferred to support supplier relationships.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced production environment.
• Ability to work cross-functionally within supply chain, production, quality, and finance teams to meet operational goals.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401k with 3% match
• PTO

For this position you must be currently authorized to work in the United States. We do not sponsor for this position.