Purchasing Specialist

Description

JOB SUMMARY: The purchasing specialist will be responsible for sourcing and acquiring goods and services for the company by managing supplier relationships, negotiating prices, creating purchase orders, ensuring timely delivery, and analyzing market trends to optimize procurement strategies, all while adhering to company policies and compliance standards. Reporting to President and CEO, this position is responsible for all purchasing and inventory management in the facility. The purchasing specialist must adhere to food manufacturing industry policies including GMPs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Handling the day-to-day activities of the purchasing department.
• Identify cost savings opportunities and negotiate price and terms for purchases
• Monitor and manage inventory levels to ensure all items are in stock
• Review and approve purchase orders and invoices
• Track and analyze purchasing trends and develop strategies to optimize future purchases
• Communicate with vendors and suppliers to ensure timely delivery and high-quality products
• Manage relationships with vendors, suppliers, and other stakeholders
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and external regulations
• Work closely with all departments to determine product and equipment needs.
• Verify receipts with warehouse daily to identify shortages, quality issues, or substitutions. Follow up with vendors on issues. All substitutions must be reported.
• Train and learn how to place all orders through company software and provide the order details to receiving and other departments.
• Work with the President and CEO to ensure food costs remain within the established budgets.
• Monthly, identify the items that are slow moving or have expired. Report to the Presiden or CEO the items identified. Suggest utilization of the items if possible.
• Prepare reports and ensure that they are on time and delivered to the proper departments.
• Assist in resolving questions and providing customer service for all clients.
• Ensure all food safety standards are followed, including following all the requirements all programs.
• Adhere to company GMPs.
• Complete additional duties and responsibilities as required.

Requirements

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two to three years’ purchasing experience in the food manufacturing industry.
• Proven experience as a Purchasing Specialist or similar role
• In-depth knowledge of purchasing principles and practices
• Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Able to analyze and interpret data
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Bilingual English/Spanish.
• Must have demonstrated competency in computer applications
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Quickbooks
• Excellent written, oral communication skills, and business acumen.

PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Constantly remains in a stationary position and traverses locations.
• Constantly operates equipment, computers, or tools.
• Constantly extends body, arms or hands as needed to perform essential duties and responsibilities.
• Occasionally ascends/descends and positions self as needed to complete essential duties and responsibilities.
• Constantly speaks, communicates, interprets or exchanges information accurately.
• Constantly perceives objects over moderate or long distances, with or without accommodation.
• Constantly distinguishes differences or similarities in intensity or quality of odors when preparing meals for program participants.
• Frequently moves, transports, and positions objects weighing up to 50 pounds.