Senior Buyer; Food Industry

Base Pay Range

$85,000.00/yr - $/yr

Annual Bonus

Niles, IL

Experience purchasing raw ingredients within the food industry.

The Senior Buyer manages the procurement of raw ingredients, packaging, and related supplies to support production and business growth within a food manufacturing environment. This role ensures cost‑effective sourcing while maintaining quality, reliability, and on‑time delivery. The Senior Buyer partners with internal teams and suppliers to support efficient supply chain operations and new product initiatives.

• Manage material demand using MRP to prevent inventory shortages or excess.
• Issue and manage purchase orders aligned to production schedules.
• Monitor inventory levels across assigned material categories.
• Resolve supplier quality issues and return‑to‑vendor claims.
• Develop and manage supplier relationships focused on cost, quality, and delivery performance.
• Collaborate with Sales, R&D, Planning, Finance, and customers on new product sourcing and launches.
• Participate in commercialization meetings, customer calls, and supplier/plant visits as needed.
• Support PPV reporting, pricing updates, and cost‑reduction initiatives.
• Track procurement KPIs and support continuous improvement efforts.
• Improve purchasing processes, lead times, and vendor performance.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in purchasing or supply chain roles.
• Must have prior experience working in a food manufacturing environment, purchasing from ingredient suppliers.
• Strong knowledge of inventory management, logistics, and MRP/ERP systems.
• Proven negotiation, supplier management, and problem‑solving skills.
• Advanced Excel skills; proficiency in Word and PowerPoint. Salesforce, Trace Gains, or SharePoint experience a plus.
• Strong communication, organization, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Purchasing

Food and Beverage Manufacturing and Manufacturing

• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)