Purchasing Specialist

The Purchasing Specialist is responsible for forecasting, sourcing, and purchasing food products to support St. Mary’s Food Bank programs and partner agencies. This position manages programmatic purchasing, Agency Marketplace product sourcing, supplier relationships, and purchased food inventory across multiple facilities. Working collaboratively with internal departments and external suppliers, the Purchasing Specialist ensures cost-effective procurement, appropriate inventory levels, and timely product availability to meet organizational needs.

• Forecast and coordinate food purchases for Kids Cafe, Backpack, School Pantry, Agency Marketplace, and other organizational programs.
• Analyze historical usage, inventory levels, program requirements, and purchasing trends to anticipate demand and replenishment needs.
• Source products, solicit competitive bids, evaluate supplier offerings, and negotiate favorable pricing and purchasing terms.
• Manage purchasing activities within established budgets, policies, and approval requirements.

• Monitor purchased food inventory across facilities, including the Volunteer Center and Main Warehouse, to maintain appropriate stock levels.
• Evaluate inventory availability and coordinate inter-facility transfers before initiating additional purchases.
• Monitor product movement, shelf life, and inventory turnover to minimize shortages, excess inventory, and product loss.
• Coordinate with warehouse and operations teams to ensure timely product availability for program distributions and agency purchasing.
• Identify sourcing opportunities and expand Agency Marketplace product offerings based on partner agency needs.

• Establish and maintain supplier relationships to ensure competitive pricing, product quality, and reliable delivery.
• Prepare and process purchase orders, track shipments, and resolve purchasing or supplier discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier information, inventory data, and related reports.
• Support purchasing for grants, special initiatives, and Feeding America programs, including CHOICE purchases.

• Partner with Programs, Food Resourcing, Warehouse, Logistics, and Transportation teams to coordinate purchasing and inventory needs.
• Ensure compliance with purchasing policies, food safety standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Support product traceability, recall procedures, and continuous improvement of purchasing processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Performs all functions according to established policies, procedures, regulatory and accreditation requirements, as well as applicable professional standards. Provides all internal/external customers of St. Mary’s Food Bank with an excellent service experience.

May interact with all levels of leadership, employees, agency representatives, community neighbors, volunteers, external vendors, and clients.

• Requires extensive sitting with periodic standing and walking.
• May be required to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Requires significant use of personal computer, phone and general office equipment.
• Needs adequate visual acuity, ability to grasp and handle objects.
• Needs ability to communicate effectively through reading, writing, and speaking in person or on telephone.
• May require off-site travel; possible out-of-state travel

• Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, or related field preferred; equivalent education and experience considered.
• Minimum five years of food industry experience, with two years in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain preferred.
• Experience in food sourcing, supplier…