Buyer - Kettleworks : Job Details

Position Summary

The Buyer is responsible for procuring raw materials, packaging, and supplies to support the company's food manufacturing operations. This role involves supplier coordination, managing purchase orders, maintaining inventory levels, and ensuring materials are delivered on time and meet quality standards. The Buyer plays a key role in balancing cost-efficiency, quality, and supply reliability to meet production demands

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Execute purchase orders (POs) for raw materials, packaging, and other supplies based on production schedules and inventory needs.
• Analyze supplier quotes, compare pricing, and negotiate favorable terms and contracts.
• Monitor and track open orders to ensure on-time delivery.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure consistent material supply.
• Address and resolve issues related to delivery delays, order discrepancies, or quality concerns.
• Assist the Procurement Manager in evaluating and onboarding new suppliers.
• Track inventory levels of raw materials and packaging to ensure uninterrupted production.
• Work closely with production and warehouse teams to maintain optimal stock levels and avoid shortages or overstock.
• Reconcile inventory records in collaboration with warehouse staff.
• Ensure all materials meet food safety standards and regulations (e.g., FDA, HACCP, FSMA).
• Maintain accurate records of purchases, invoices, and supplier agreements.
• Support compliance documentation for audits or regulatory inspections.
• Research market trends and pricing to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Procurement Manager to develop and implement cost optimization strategies.
• Monitor supplier pricing and identify discrepancies or areas for negotiation.
• Generate procurement reports to update the Procurement Manager on purchasing activities, costs, and supplier performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, quality assurance, and logistics, to align procurement with operational needs.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• 2-4 years of experience in procurement or purchasing, preferably in a food manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with raw materials and packaging is commonly used in food production.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) is a plus.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in managing purchase orders and records.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Team-oriented with a proactive approach to challenges.
• Knowledge of food safety Compliance and quality standards.