Buyer Jr

Job Description

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.

• 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).

• 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

• 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…