About FoodMaven

We’re transforming the food system! At FoodMaven, our vision is to see all food used…with good purpose. Our mission is to capture and create a market for food otherwise lost in the food system with positive impacts for profits, people, and the planet. FoodMaven sells high-quality local, oversupplied and out of spec food from distributors, manufacturers and producers to restaurants and institutional kitchens at a significant discount.

FoodMaven is committed to our mission and vision, working to create a better food system and fostering a fun and passionate work culture. 

The Role

FoodMaven is seeking a Purchasing Coordinator who is interested in getting in on the ground level of an exciting startup with a big mission. The Purchasing Coordinator will be responsible for all purchasing processes including inventory level management, purchase order creation and processing, and product transport and delivery; communicating demand to vendors and negotiating volumes and pricing.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Inventory Level Management & Procurement
  • Develop and maintain purchasing guides that include SKUs, PAR levels, primary and secondary suppliers, MOQ’s, lead times, and other relevant data
  • Utilize Acumatica data and tools to analyze historical demand and set PAR levels
  • Consult with the General Manager, DFW, Supply Team, and Sales Representatives on market and customer developments and project their impact on demand and supply
  • Analyze inventory levels, track market changes, and negotiate vendor offers to issue right-timed purchase orders that minimize out of stocks while maximizing product margins
  • Coordinate with Operations on pickup and delivery logistics, in-bound and on-hand product storage requirements, and quality assurance and food safety processes
  • Proactively keep the General Manager, DFW and Sales Reps informed of product availability, pricing fluctuations, and quality concerns, and answer their product and supplier inquiries

• Supplier Relations
  • Build strong supplier relationships and negotiate favorable pricing and terms
  • Identify new DFW supply/supplier options and perform outreach, vetting, and onboarding
  • Monitor supplier performance in areas such as fulfillment rate, on-time delivery, and quality, and provide feedback to suppliers
  • Collect FDA registration, HAACP plans, 3rd-party audits, certifications, product specification sheets, and other supplier documentation as requested by QA/QC and Food Safety
  • Work with Finance to resolve invoices and set up accounts with new vendors

• Supply Team Collaboration
  • Work with the Supply Team and General Manager, DFW to ensure DFW purchasing priorities and processes align with and contribute to FM Supply objectives, strategies, and systems
  • Collaborate with the Supply Team to source impact products from new and existing suppliers
  • Draw on Supply Team members’ expertise and networks to grow knowledge and sourcing of different Item Categories and products
  • Facilitate introductions between DFW vendors and relevant Supply Team members
  • Support other MSA Purchasing Coordinators and purchasing efforts as appropriate

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• 2 years in a purchasing role, preferably in the food and/or agriculture industry
• Knowledge and understanding of inventory level management and purchasing procedures
• Skilled at analyzing quantitative and qualitative data to make informed buying decisions
• Strong communicator able to build relationships and effectively negotiate with vendors
• Adept at working collaboratively across organizational departments and geographies
• Demonstrated time-management, prioritization, and organizational skills
• Close attention to detail and consistent follow through
• Commitment to excellence, integrity, and respect for others
• Alignment with core Mission, Values and Culture of FoodMaven
• Associate or Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience

FoodMaven provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.